Assessment Objectives (AO)
AQA's five Assessment Objectives (AO1-AO5) define what students must demonstrate: AO1 articulate informed responses using terminology and coherent expression; AO2 analyse meanings shaped by form/structure/language; AO3 demonstrate contextual understanding; AO4 explore connections across texts; AO5 explore texts using different interpretations.
Real World
AQA mark schemes for 'A Doll's House' reward students who analyse Ibsen's stagecraft (AO2), connect the play to nineteenth-century gender politics (AO3), and engage with feminist critical readings (AO5) — neglecting any AO caps your grade regardless of essay quality.
Exam Focus
Check every paragraph addresses at least AO1 and AO2 — the most commonly underdeveloped objectives are AO3 and AO5, which cost students band marks.
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