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jem๐
12/12/2025
English Literature
AQA A-Level English Literature: Gatsby essay
53
โข
12 Dec 2025
โข
jem๐
@jemelia
This English Literature mark scheme breaks down exactly what examiners... Show more
Your 25-mark literature essay is assessed on five key areas (AOs), each worth different amounts. AO1 (reading and expression) carries the most weight at 7 marks, whilst AO4 and AO5 (connections and interpretations) are worth 3 marks each.
The marking follows a five-band system, from Band 1 (largely irrelevant) to Band 5 (perceptive and assured). To hit the top grades, you need "perceptive" and "sophisticated" responses rather than just correct answers.
Band 5 demands sophisticated terminology, assured analysis of writer's methods, and confident engagement with different interpretations. This isn't just about knowing the texts - it's about demonstrating mature, analytical thinking.
Quick Tip: Focus on developing "perceptive understanding" rather than just listing techniques. Examiners want to see you making insightful connections and debating ideas confidently.
Jemelia's essay demonstrates solid Band 4 performance with strong engagement with societal messages and some literary criticism. Her analysis of women as victims across three texts shows good comparative skills.
The response excels in exploring the Madonna-whore complex through Fitzgerald's characterisation of Daisy and Myrtle. The comparison of Tom's gifts - "pearls valued at three hundred dollars" versus a "dog leash" - effectively demonstrates gendered power dynamics.
However, the essay needs more detailed exploration of the "Whoso" text and stronger SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar). Technical accuracy becomes crucial at higher bands, especially with proper nouns and titles.
Key Insight: Strong conceptual understanding can carry you far, but attention to technical details and balanced text coverage will push you into Band 5.
The essay effectively links Fitzgerald and Hardy's critique of patriarchal expectations. The analysis of "fair garments, little gloves" in 'The Ruined Maid' demonstrates understanding of how material improvement masks social exclusion.
Strong use of contextual knowledge appears in discussions of Victorian moral standards and 1920s gender expectations. The point about working-class women facing impossible choices shows perceptive social awareness.
The writing becomes more sophisticated when discussing Hardy's animalistic terminology and colloquial speech patterns. These observations about language choices demonstrate the kind of detailed textual analysis that reaches higher bands.
Development Focus: Continue building this level of linguistic analysis whilst ensuring all three texts receive equal attention and exploration.
The analysis of Wyatt's deer imagery effectively demonstrates cross-textual connections, linking the "hind" metaphor to broader themes of female objectification. The reference to Anne Boleyn's historical context shows sophisticated understanding.
Daisy's wish for her daughter to be a "fool" receives insightful interpretation as maternal protection against patriarchal society. This kind of psychological reading demonstrates the analytical depth examiners want to see.
The conclusion attempts to synthesise all three texts around the central argument, though it needs clearer expression in places. The final image of Myrtle's death as ultimate victimisation provides effective closure.
Improvement Target: Strengthen expression and clarity whilst maintaining this level of interpretative sophistication and textual integration.
The redrafted introduction shows clearer structure and stronger contextualisation of all three texts. The explicit mention of the Jazz Age and Victorian expectations demonstrates improved historical awareness.
Technical accuracy remains the primary development area - consistent capitalisation, spelling, and sentence structure will significantly boost AO1 marks. These seemingly small details matter enormously at higher grades.
The essay shows genuine analytical potential with strong conceptual understanding and good use of critical vocabulary. Focus on balancing detailed analysis across all texts whilst maintaining this interpretative sophistication.
Next Steps: Practice integrating quotations more smoothly, develop alternative critical interpretations, and ensure every paragraph advances your central argument with equal attention to all set texts.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
jem๐
@jemelia
This English Literature mark scheme breaks down exactly what examiners are looking for in a 25-mark essay question. Understanding these assessment objectives and grade boundaries will help you craft stronger responses and target the top bands with confidence.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your 25-mark literature essay is assessed on five key areas (AOs), each worth different amounts. AO1 (reading and expression) carries the most weight at 7 marks, whilst AO4 and AO5 (connections and interpretations) are worth 3 marks each.
The marking follows a five-band system, from Band 1 (largely irrelevant) to Band 5 (perceptive and assured). To hit the top grades, you need "perceptive" and "sophisticated" responses rather than just correct answers.
Band 5 demands sophisticated terminology, assured analysis of writer's methods, and confident engagement with different interpretations. This isn't just about knowing the texts - it's about demonstrating mature, analytical thinking.
Quick Tip: Focus on developing "perceptive understanding" rather than just listing techniques. Examiners want to see you making insightful connections and debating ideas confidently.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Jemelia's essay demonstrates solid Band 4 performance with strong engagement with societal messages and some literary criticism. Her analysis of women as victims across three texts shows good comparative skills.
The response excels in exploring the Madonna-whore complex through Fitzgerald's characterisation of Daisy and Myrtle. The comparison of Tom's gifts - "pearls valued at three hundred dollars" versus a "dog leash" - effectively demonstrates gendered power dynamics.
However, the essay needs more detailed exploration of the "Whoso" text and stronger SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar). Technical accuracy becomes crucial at higher bands, especially with proper nouns and titles.
Key Insight: Strong conceptual understanding can carry you far, but attention to technical details and balanced text coverage will push you into Band 5.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The essay effectively links Fitzgerald and Hardy's critique of patriarchal expectations. The analysis of "fair garments, little gloves" in 'The Ruined Maid' demonstrates understanding of how material improvement masks social exclusion.
Strong use of contextual knowledge appears in discussions of Victorian moral standards and 1920s gender expectations. The point about working-class women facing impossible choices shows perceptive social awareness.
The writing becomes more sophisticated when discussing Hardy's animalistic terminology and colloquial speech patterns. These observations about language choices demonstrate the kind of detailed textual analysis that reaches higher bands.
Development Focus: Continue building this level of linguistic analysis whilst ensuring all three texts receive equal attention and exploration.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The analysis of Wyatt's deer imagery effectively demonstrates cross-textual connections, linking the "hind" metaphor to broader themes of female objectification. The reference to Anne Boleyn's historical context shows sophisticated understanding.
Daisy's wish for her daughter to be a "fool" receives insightful interpretation as maternal protection against patriarchal society. This kind of psychological reading demonstrates the analytical depth examiners want to see.
The conclusion attempts to synthesise all three texts around the central argument, though it needs clearer expression in places. The final image of Myrtle's death as ultimate victimisation provides effective closure.
Improvement Target: Strengthen expression and clarity whilst maintaining this level of interpretative sophistication and textual integration.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The redrafted introduction shows clearer structure and stronger contextualisation of all three texts. The explicit mention of the Jazz Age and Victorian expectations demonstrates improved historical awareness.
Technical accuracy remains the primary development area - consistent capitalisation, spelling, and sentence structure will significantly boost AO1 marks. These seemingly small details matter enormously at higher grades.
The essay shows genuine analytical potential with strong conceptual understanding and good use of critical vocabulary. Focus on balancing detailed analysis across all texts whilst maintaining this interpretative sophistication.
Next Steps: Practice integrating quotations more smoothly, develop alternative critical interpretations, and ensure every paragraph advances your central argument with equal attention to all set texts.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology