If you want to check out the scaling of subjects you can go to the official Board of Studies website and look it up...I don't think it scales you down. It may not scale you up too high but definitely not down.
Um as for a band 6 essay, I use the P.E.E.L technique. As in peel an apple:
* Point - What is the point of the paragraph you're going to write (i.e subject but don't babble on)
* Explanation - Discussion of your point, what is being compared or contrasted
* Example - techniques, how is your point shown, quotes
* Link - link back to the question (THIS IS A MUST according to my teacher lol)
However, bear in mind your EEs must be elaborate. You really have to describe your point and give EXAMPLES of how it is shown, give quotes and techniques. You have to VERIFY what your point is.
And remember - you can't expect to get exceptional marks if your paragraphs are 5 lines. Make them at the least 8-9 and not in huge writing!
You should also have linking words at the beginning of each paragraph such as "like, similarly, contrastingly, as opposed to" when comparing texts.
I hope this is helpful! Just remember.....PEEL PEEL PEEL PEEL PEEL AN APPLE JUST PEEL!!