Sample Answers - Great Expectations (Grades 9

Examiner's Grade

Grades 6–7 The examiner gave this sample answer Grades 6–7.
Now read the comments below to understand why this grade was given.
The examiner also provides tips on how the answer might be improved.

Comment

This response keeps a tight focus on the question and examines how Dickens presents the relationship between Pip and Miss Havisham through use of language, imagery, plot structure and genre. Some more detailed language analysis of quotations could have been helpful, such as the meaning behind ‘forgiveness and direction’.

For Grades 8–9

Focus on the effects of the writer’s choices and try to avoid ‘telling the story’ of the characters.
Extend the language analysis to show interrogation of features.
Use tentative language, such as ‘this suggests’, to show an open-minded exploration of the text.