• The length of the response- It is 249 words long and this is considered an ideal length.
• The response is focused entirely on body language as the most influential visual feature.
• It is an assertive and self-confident interpretation of the text.
• There is clear control of language and there is a distinctive voice.
• Opening sentence offers a clear proposition in response to the question without simply restating it.
• Second sentence offers a clear interpretation of the image.
• Language choices offer a distinctive voice and is convincing.
• Every additional sentence builds on the central idea and refers to a further aspect of how body language is used.
• Short sentences make the point clearly and succinctly.
• Conclusion is largely unnecessary and there is no requirement to write one in the Comprehending section.

When the assessment criteria (above) is applied to a reading of this model answer, it’s clear that it meets the criteria for a highly successful response.

You will need to use the modelled example (above) to construct your own responses to the images of disability we explored in our previous lesson.

 

SCSA’s perspective on the criteria for a successful response in the Comprehending section:

• Concise and succinct
• Students might benefit from the advice below:
• • Think More
  • Write Less
  • Work Better
• The most successful responses demonstrated control of generic conventions.
• Short answers are not required to be written in an essay-style structure.
• Students are advised to not ‘regurgitate’ content, particularly considering that they have a limited time in which to respond. Some of the most effective responses were considerably shorter than the advised word limit because they were concise and succinct.
• First sentence should be a thesis statement.