| Criteria | Marks |
| Responds skillfully to the task provided displaying a highly developed understanding of the prescribed text Demonstrates a well-informed understanding of context, language, form and ideas using well-selected and detailed analysis of textual references Composes a thoughtful argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form | 17–20 |
| Responds effectively to the task provided displaying a developed understanding of the prescribed text Demonstrates an informed understanding of context, language, form and ideas using well-selected analysis of textual references Composes an effective argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form | 13–16 |
| Responds to the task provided displaying understanding of the prescribed text Demonstrates an understanding of context, language, form and ideas using textual references Composes a sound argument using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form | 9–12 |
| Describes some aspects of the prescribed text Demonstrates some understanding of context, language and form with limited textual references Composes a limited response to the question | 5–8 |
| Attempts to describe aspects of the prescribed text Attempts to compose a response to the question | 1–4 |