AQA Qualifications
GCSE
Geography B
SPaG Exemplars
Foundation Tier
Spec no: 9035
Version: 0.1
Spelling shows considerable accuracy.
Appears to be one long sentence so punctuation/sentencing not used very effectively.
Some use of specialist terms (swash/backwash/salt marsh).
Intermediate Performance.
SPaG - 2 marks
2
General use of sentences and punctuation is not strong, and this affects the flow of the answer.
However, the general meaning is still evident.
Spelling is sound.
Limited use of specialist terms (sustainability).
Threshold Performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
3
General use of sentences and punctuation is not strong, and this affects the flow of the answer.
However, the general meaning is still evident. Spelling is sound. In this case the specialist terms
are (prevailing wind/sediment).
Threshold Performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
4
Spelling generally sound, although there are minor errors. Quite complex ideas expressed quite
effectively, although sentence construction is variable. Use of specialist terms.
Intermediate Performance (just about).
SPaG – 2 marks
5
Spelling, punctuation and rules of grammar effectively used. Effective sentence construction used
to address the question.
Slightly limited use of specialist terms (sustainable) so marginal.
High Performance (just - based on spelling, punctuation and grammar).
SPaG – 3 marks
6
Spelling, punctuation and rules of grammar effectively used. Effective sentence construction used
to address the question.
Appropriate range of specialist terms used effectively in relation to the question (spit/sediment/
marsh/prevailing wind).
High performance.
SPaG – 3 marks
7
General spelling is reasonable, although there are errors in specialist terms (drift, prevailing).
Sentence construction is a little clumsy; the second sentence could be broken down more
effectively.
Some use of specialist terms (longshore drift/prevailing wind/swash/backwash) – not always used
to best effect.
Threshold performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
8
Spelling is generally sound and sentence construction and grammar show reasonable accuracy, if
a little clumsy.
A range of specialist terms are used (hard/soft engineering/beach replenishment/rock groynes/
managed retreat.
Intermediate performance.
SPaG – 2 marks
9
A reasonable level of correct spelling and while the sentence construction and grammar is not
strong, it does not detract from the general understanding.
Some specialist terms used (prevailing wind/sedimentation).
Threshold performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
10
Appears slightly rushed and sentence use and grammar is slightly clumsy, with ideas ‘tacked on’ to
sentences, ‘like DEFRA, like in Slapton’.
Some spelling errors (costal, costlines) but does use some specialist terms (sustainably/managed
retreat).
Grammar, punctuation and spelling do not significantly detract from understanding.
Threshold performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
11
A good general use of grammar and uses simple, but effective sentence structure. Spelling is
generally sound, although there are errors (costal/courent).
A range of specialist terms are used (prevailing wind/longshore drift/sediment/current).
Uses all three aspects (spelling, punctuation and grammar, specialist terms) quite effectively.
Intermediate performance.
SPaG – 2 marks
12
Not really enough to make a judgement about SPaG (even if it was not crossed out).
SPaG – 0 marks
13
Although there are spelling errors and a lack of punctuation at times, the meaning of the answer is
reasonably clear.
The answer lacks use of specialist terms beyond ideas about population and movement.
Threshold performance (marginal.
SPaG – Just 1 mark
14
Uses sentences effectively to make points, although shorter sentences and more punctuation
would be helpful.
Spelling generally sound.
Identifies clear geographical ideas and specialist terms which are related to the question
(education/drought).
Covers all areas, not always consistently.
Intermediate performance (just).
SPaG – 2 marks
15
A lack of sentence structure (capital letters/full stops). Spelling is generally sound and the general
meaning is clear.
Limited specialist terms but does pick up on the idea about birth control.
Threshold performance (just enough)
SPaG – 1 mark
16
General structure and grammar are not strong but do not really detract from conveying an
understanding.
Some spelling errors of more complex words (inployment) although other more complex words are
correct (sustainable/business/sanitation). These words also reflect a degree of use of specialist
terminology.
Threshold performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
17
Sentence construction is a little clumsy (therefore will ……. ) and sentences tend to be overlong.
Limited punctuation, points could be divided up more effectively.
There are spelling errors.
The grammar and spelling limitations do not detract from the general understanding.
Uses some appropriate terminology in relation to the question.
Threshold performance.
SPaG – 1 mark
18
General spelling and grammar is reasonable and there is clear sentence construction. Sentences
tend to be slightly too long with an element of ‘listing’.
Some use of geographical ideas and terminology.
Intermediate performance.
SPaG – 2 marks
19
General spelling and grammar is reasonable and there is clear sentence construction.
Sentences tend to be slightly too long with an element of ‘listing’.
Some use of geographical ideas and terminology.
Intermediate performance.
SPaG – 2 marks
20