Sample A663 script on Of Mice and Men

Band 1: perceptive understanding, critical evaulation, sensitive understanding

Examiner's comments: A comprehensive and sustained answer; the quality is consistent and AO4 particularly is well handled, shedding light on the situation the characters find themselves in well remaining well rooted in the passage.  There are insightful comments about the atmosphere before Curley's wife enters and how Crooks is affected by his conversation with Lennie and Candy.  In discussing Crooks' behaviour the candidate shows awareness of both his character and the social context which normally constrains his actions.  Curley's wife's actions are neatly placed in context, illustrating the danger for Crooks in her threats and there is effective comment about Candy's intervention.  The candidate writes impressively about the implications of his words here, including some language analysis relating to the word 'quietly'.  There is a clear understanding of the hierarchy at the ranch.  A sophisticated point about tension is skilfully linked to the questions and the final paragraphs again refer to the social context, linking comments to the key themes of the novel and demonstrating personal response.  A little more AO2 might have pushed this script to the top of Band 1.

Mark - 36/ 40