Arrival · retrieve

Four marks is two points, developed

A four-mark explain question is not asking for four things.

It is asking for two points, each taken one step further.

Most lost marks in this question are points that were made and then left.

Development means saying what follows from the point, in the same breath.

The frame on your sheet has that step built into it, which is why we use it.

You need the source sheet, the answer frame and the mark scheme extract.

Starter · create the need

Two answers, same question

Answer A gives four short statements, each true, none developed, and scores two.

Answer B gives two statements, each followed by a because and a reference, and scores four.

Answer B is shorter. It is not a longer answer that wins, it is a finished one.

Read them both and count the words. Most people are surprised.

Length is what pupils control, so length is what they add. Development is what is actually marked.

• 1 · make the point.
• 2 · say what follows from it.
• 3 · attach the reference.
• 4 · do it once more.

I Do · model

Writing one developed point

Point one: one tradition on the sheet teaches that human life carries a special status.

Now the development, in the same sentence: which means an argument from convenience does not settle the question for them.

Then the reference: source A, line two.

That is one point, developed, referenced. It is worth two marks and it took one sentence.

Point two comes from a different source, or it is the same point wearing a hat.

I stop after two. A third point takes time from the two that are being marked.

We Do · everyone commits

Sort the sentences

Six answer sentences are on your table. Sort them into developed and undeveloped.

Then match each undeveloped one to what it is missing: the because, the reference, or both.

Two of them have a because that just repeats the point. Put those in their own pile.

When your table is done, hold up the one you argued about most.

I Do 2 · connect

Checking against the mark scheme's words

The mark scheme uses particular words, and you can check your answer against them.

It asks for a developed point, not a detailed one. Detail is not development.

Three details about the same point is still one point.

So underline your because in each half and check there are two of them.

Two becauses, two references, and stop.

If you have three becauses you have written a six-mark answer to a four-mark question.

We Do 2 · lab

Find the because

Work in twos. Swap answers and read your partner's silently.

Underline the because in each half, if there is one.

If you cannot find one, say which half is missing it.

They add it in one clause, not a new sentence.

Then swap back and check yours the same way.

Independent · evidence

Two points, developed and referenced

Work on your own. Use the frame and write the four-mark answer.

Two points, each followed by what it means, each with a source reference.

Then underline both becauses and both references.

Then check it against the mark scheme extract and write the mark you would give it.

If you finish early, write the one word you would cut to make it tighter.

• Supported · one developed point with a reference, using the frame.
• Standard · two developed points, each referenced, checked against the mark scheme.
• Stretch · as Standard, and name the one word you would cut to make it tighter.

Exit · Audience and Influence

Read one developed point to an adult

Read one of your two points to the adult at your table, including the because.

They read it back and say whether it develops or repeats.

If it repeats, change the second half rather than the first.

Then choose what happens next: keep it, rewrite the second point, or try the six-mark version.

Write that choice on the sheet with today's date before you leave.