Paper 2 Exam Technique

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

Knowledge and understanding

Question 2

AO2

Answer 2

Analysis - comparison and more detailed explanation

Question 3

AO3

Answer 3

Evaluation - with reference to preceding analysis and explanation, determine the relative strength of different arguments and perspectives

Question 4

Mark breakdown for the 9 marker?

Answer 4

AO1 - 6 marks
AO2 - 3 marks

2/3 of this question is knowledge

Question 5

Key thing with the 9 marker?

Answer 5

MUST give 3 points. They must be distinct

Question 6

What key thing must be done before completing the 9 marker comparative essay?

Answer 6

Define the comparative theory

Question 7

Mark breakdown for the extract 25 marker?

Answer 7

AO1 - 5 marks
AO2 - 10 marks
AO3 - 10 marks

Question 8

Why is evaluation difficult?

Answer 8

It must spring from preceding analysis - successful analysis is a prerequisite to good evaluation

Question 9

Key limiters of marks on Paper 2 Extract Question?

Answer 9

1. Failure to orientate the answer around the extract limits you to Level 2
2. Failure to consider provenance and perspectives limits you to Level 3

Question 10

What is the key and unanticipated limiter on the 25 mark essay for Section C?

Answer 10

Failure to consider at least one synoptic point LIMITS you to Level 4

Question 11

9 MARKER CHECKLIST

Answer 11

• The following paragraph
  1. Define a point
  2. Explain the point
  3. Use at least one example
  3 times
• At least one example of evaluation or a caveat

Question 12

25 MARKER EXTRACT QUESTION CHECKLIST

Answer 12

• Introduction which identifies the arguments and takes a side
• Provenance paragraph
• 3 paragraphs with embedded comparison:
  1. Extract one thinks this
  2. Explanation of this with examples
  3. Extract two thinks this
  4. Explanation of this with examples
  5. Extract one or two are both compelling/unconvincing or Extract one is more convincing etc. etc.
• SUBSTANTIATED CONCLUSION

Question 13

25 MARKER EXTRACT QUESTION CHECKLIST

Answer 13

• Introduction with identifies the argument and preliminarily takes a side
• 3x Paragraphs:
  1. In the UK, the situation is this
  2. Explanation and analysis
  3. In the US, the situation is this
  4. Explanation and analysis
  5. EVALUATION OF THE DIFFERENCE/SIMILARITY with REFERENCE TO STRUCTURAL, CULTURAL or RATIONAL THEORY
• Conclusion

Question 14

Key thing for a 25 marker in Section C?

Answer 14

You could do well to utilise the idea of structural/cultural/rational theory

Question 15

9 MARKER COMPARATIVE CHECKLIST

Answer 15

• DEFINE THE THEORY
• One point is this (x3):
  1. Define the point
  2. Analysis and example
  3. Whereas/similarly in the UK/US…
  4. Analysis and example
• NO CONCLUSION
• One evaluative/caveat comment

Question 16

Structural

Answer 16

How the ORGANISATION, RULES and COMPOSITION of POLITICAL SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS influences POLITICAL OUTCOMES

Question 17

Rational

Answer 17

How the ACTIONS AND IMPORTANCE of the BEHAVIOUR OF INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE SYSTEM affects POLITICAL OUTCOMES

Question 18

Cultural

Answer 18

How differences and similarities in SHARED HISTORY, CULTURE AND EXPERIENCE can shape ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR and hence POLITICAL OUTCOMES