Hi

I've got a pupil taking hr grade 6 theory. In the first question where you indicate either chords or bass line I wondered if she'd be penalised for any consecutive 5ths, 8ves which would be implied by her choice of inversions/ root position chords. I get her to pencil in a bass line anyway so that she can choose the best options, but wondered how strict the AB are in marking this?

Also is she more likely to receive a better mark for modulating in the composition excercise?

I think that she would lose marks for implied consecutives.
For me the easiest way to avoid this was to learn some stock progressions and how to use them.
Once you get in the cadential progressions and passing 6/4s there's usually very little left to fill in.

The only way that you get consecutives is to have parts moving the same intervals in each direction.

That is obvious. However writing is parallel thirds and sixths is strong.

Therefore check how many semitones and in which direction every part moves

That way you only need to check the intervals that move in the same direction. You can write them under your score in soft pencil. If an upwards or downwards movement between the Soprano and Bass is greater than 8 check for exposed octaves or exposed fifths.