1. Critical Reading – Scottish Text
The Thread by Don Paterson

2. 45 mins / 20 marks = 2 mins per mark approx.

3. Question 1 2 marks = 4 mins
1. By referring closely to lines 1-4 analyse the use of poetic technique to emphasise the dramatic nature of Jamie’s birth. 2
2 marks can be awarded for two examples which highlight the dramatic impact. A detailed/insightful comment on one example may be awarded 2 marks. Reference plus basic comment for 1 mark. 0 marks for reference/quotation alone.

4. 3 marks = 6 mins
2. In lines the poet expands upon his relationship with his young sons. Choose two poetic techniques and analyse how they help convey the nature of this relationship
Answers should analyse how the poet expands upon his relationship with his young sons. 3 marks can be awarded for reference plus detailed/insightful comment; 1 mark for reference plus more basic comment. Thus, marks can be awarded 2+1 or
0 marks for reference/quotation alone.

5. 2 marks = 4 mins 3. Look at lines 9-10.
“your two-year-old lungs somehow out-revving / every engine in the universe.”
Explain fully what the poet means by this. 2
Candidates should explain fully what Paterson means by the image “your two-year-old lungs somehow out-revving / every engine in the universe.” Simple comment about power of his lungs for 1 mark. A detailed/insightful comment may be awarded 2 marks.

6. 3 marks = 6 mins
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of lines as a conclusion to the poem. Your answer should deal with ideas and/or language
Candidates should show understanding of the term “conclusion” and show how the content of the last 4 lines continues ― or contrasts with ― ideas and/or language from the first ten lines.
3 marks can be awarded for three appropriate, basic comments.
A detailed/insightful comment on one example may be awarded 2 marks. Other examples are acceptable.
0 marks for reference/quotation alone.

7. Final Question 10 marks = 20 mins
5. Discuss how Don Paterson uses contrast in this poem and at least one other to highlight the poems’ main concerns

8. Marking Guidelines
Candidates should discuss the use of contrast in this and other poems by Don Paterson and should refer to appropriate textual evidence to support their discussion. 0 marks for reference/quotation alone. Candidates can answer in bullet points in this final question, or write a number of linked statements. Up to 2 marks can be achieved for identifying elements of commonality as identified in the question, i.e. use of contrast to highlight main concerns of this and other poems by Paterson. A further 2 marks can be achieved for reference to the extract given. 6 additional marks can be awarded for discussion of similar references to at least one other poem by the poet.

9. Option 1 2 Marks Text 1 – How it links to the question.
Text 1 – Reference / Quotation
Text 1 - Link to the Question
Text 2 – Reference / Quotation
Text 2 – Link to the Question (Brief)
Text 2 – Link to the Question (Brief)

10. Option 2 2 Marks Text 1 – How it links to the question.
Text 1 – Reference / Quotation
Text 1 - Link to the Question (Detailed)
3 Marks
Text 2 – Reference / Quotation
Text 2 – Link to the Question (Detailed)

11. Option 3 2 Marks Text 1 – How it links to the question.
Text 1 – Reference / Quotation
Text 1 - Link to the Question (Detailed)
6 Marks
Text 2 – Reference / Quotation
Text 2 – Link to the Question (Very detailed)

12. Writing Frame 2 marks Text 1 links with the question because….
 Text 2 links with the question because…
An example from Text one is …
This links with the question because…
An example from Text two is …
A further example from text two is …
A final example from text two is …