AOs
English Lit: AQA A Level Othello, topic 12.1.1
Assessment Objectives (AOs)
Assessment Objectives (AOs) are the same across all AS and A Level English Literature specifications.
AOs
- Assessment Objectives (AOs) are the same across all AS and A Level English Literature specifications.
- This means these AOs remain the same for Specification A and Specification B.
- The exams will measure to what extent students have achieved the following AOs:
AO1 - 2
- AO1: Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression.
- AO2: Analyse the ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts.
AO3 - 5
- AO3: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
- AO4: Explore connections across literary texts.
- AO5: Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations.
AO5
- In this list of AOs, it is perhaps AO5 that is the most important of these in your overall argument.
- Be aware of this when you are constructing your responses.
Significance
- A key term that comes up in many questions is ‘significance’ or ‘significant’.
- When you are asked to write about this, you should try and explain what it is that makes the question focus particularly memorable or important, and what it ‘signifies’.
- Always bear this in mind when you are developing your argument.
Structuring Your Answer
Introductions
- When it comes to your answers, always aim to not have lengthy and often meaningless introductions.
- It is better to quickly focus upon the task.
Conclusions
- Do not have lengthy conclusions either.
- If you have a conclusion, then try to avoid repeating or reiterating what you have already said because you will gain no further marks for this.
- It is better to either deconstruct the question or to suggest a further area of investigation which (if you had time and space) you would pursue.
Conclusions cont.
- In this way, the debate over significance and multiple meanings continues into the future, and it will be good to show the examiner that you are aware of this.
Test yourself on AOs
Which assessment objective (AO) is arguably the most important in your overall answer?
Which of these is a key term which comes up in many questions?
Which assessment objectives are being described?
What should you avoid doing in your conclusion?