P1.B AO6 — Technical Accuracy in Writing

AO6 covers the technical accuracy of your writing: vocabulary, sentence structures, spelling and punctuation. It is worth 16 out of 40 marks in Section B of both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

What AO6 assesses

• Vocabulary range: using precise, varied vocabulary appropriate to the task — not repeating the same words; using subject-specific or sophisticated vocabulary accurately
• Sentence structures: using a variety of simple, compound and complex sentences; subordinate clauses; relative clauses; fronted adverbials; passive voice; minor sentences — each used purposefully
• Spelling: accurate spelling of common and more complex words; errors in key words undermine credibility
• Punctuation: accurate and varied use of: full stops, commas, apostrophes, semi-colons, colons, dashes, ellipses, inverted commas (speech marks), brackets

Band 4 AO6 (top — 13-16 marks)

Ambitious and varied vocabulary; sophisticated range of sentence structures; consistent spelling accuracy including complex vocabulary; varied punctuation used with accuracy and sophistication.

Band 2 AO6

Limited vocabulary range; simple and compound sentences mainly; most spelling correct; basic punctuation mostly accurate.

Improving AO6

Vocabulary: before the exam, practise building a repertoire of sophisticated synonyms for common words. Keep a vocabulary journal.

Sentence variety: practise deliberately beginning sentences in different ways: fronted adverbial ("As the sun dipped below the horizon,..."), relative clause ("The man, who had waited all day,..."), participial phrase ("Standing at the edge,...").

Punctuation: semi-colons link related clauses; colons introduce a list or explanation; dashes add a parenthetical aside — or create a dramatic pause.

Proofreading: leave 2 minutes at the end to re-read for obvious errors.