Grade descriptions Cambridge International AS and A Level Thinking Skills (9694)

24 Cambridge International AS and A Level Thinking Skills 9694. Syllabus for examination in 2018.

6. Grade descriptions

A Grade A candidate: • shows clear understanding of both simple and complex arguments in terms of their structure and techniques • shows consistent success at solving often complex problems requiring initiative, precision and attention to detail • shows the ability to make perceptive critical evaluations of arguments in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, l aws, implicit assumptions, persuasive devices, etc. • demonstrates consistent ability to make sound inferences e.g. from evidence; and to critically assess the reliability of claims and their sources • presents convincing, relevant and well-developed arguments in response to stimulus materials and questions • structures work so that the process of thought is made clear • shows understanding of the conventions of language; and uses the vocabulary of reasoning appropriately. A Grade B candidate: • shows understanding of the broad structure of arguments, some of them complex • is successful in solving a number of problems requiring initiative and attention to detail • is able to evaluate arguments in terms of their soundness or effectiveness, making some reference to l aws, assumptions, etc. • is able to make generally sound inferences, and an awareness of the criteria needed to assess the reliability of claims and their sources • presents some sound, relevant arguments in response to stimulus materials and questions • generally makes his or her thinking clear • shows some understanding of the conventions of language; and on occasions uses the vocabulary of reasoning in a way that shows heshe understands its correct usage. A Grade E candidate: • is able to recognise some of the characteristic features of reasoning • shows some success in solving problems • offers some evaluation of arguments in terms of their effectiveness • shows some ability to draw conclusions from texts and other sources • gives some further arguments in response to stimulus materials and questions • constructs responses with sufi cient clarity for meaning to be clear. 25 Cambridge International AS and A Level Thinking Skills 9694. Syllabus for examination in 2018.

7. Appendix: Sample Paper 1 questions