Writing About Shakespeare
Characteristics of a Level 4 answer on Shakespeare




Makes some obvious points about the character of Macbeth.eg. ‘he feels
guilty, he doesn’t want to do the murder’
Retelling parts of the text and making some comments on action or themes
Some words or phrases are indicated that relate to the points made
Makes some points that address the question, e.g. if the question is about how
the actor playing Macbeth should act, then a level 4 comment might be ‘he
should act shocked’
Characteristics of a Level 5 answer on Shakespeare
 Makes straightforward but clear comments on character/action/theme
e.g. (character) ‘he tries to make Lady Macbeth understand his point of view’)
 Some awareness of language is shown, e.g. These words should be shouted
because…’
 Points made are linked to relevant quotations
 The question is addressed consistently and a personal view is suggested
 Writes about two extracts
Characteristics of a Level 6 answer on Shakespeare






Commentary shows consistent understanding about character/action/theme
Some features of language are analysed, e.g. The words ‘deep damnation’
suggest evil. Macbeth thinks he is evil.
Where appropriate, some awareness of audience response will be shown, e.g.
‘The audience would be excited here because…’
Quotations are well chosen to illustrate points made
Focus is sustained and relevant and personal view is incorporated well
Writes about two extracts
Characteristics of a Level 7 answer on Shakespeare





Character/action/theme is interpreted with some insight, e.g. ‘Macbeth tries to
speak firmly to his wife, ‘we will proceed..’ to show that he is determined not
to go ahead with it.’
Language features are analysed in relation to the question, e.g. ‘the names he
calls his servant, ‘lily-livered loon’ suggest he is slightly unbalanced’ (in
response to a question about the character of Macbeth)
Where appropriate, awareness of audience reaction is shown
Quotations are precisely selected and woven into comments as in e.g. in first
bullet point above.
Writes about two extracts