15 marks question - Tips

• Paper 1 (based on real-world examples), Peper 2 (based on extract)

• Time to be allocated: 55 minutes
• Command term: Discuss/Evaluate/To what extent/Comment
• 2 styles: Pro/Con (related to one policy)/ Multi Policy (more than one policy)

STRUCTURE of the answer:

1. Short introduction with key definitions

2. Analysis paragraph (three, e.g. two – PRO, one- CON)
a) Deep analysis that contains the following:
- Argument (Point)
- Causes of the argument
- Consequences
b) Diagrams (fully labeled) are used to support the analysis (you may refer to the diagrams that
have been already provided in the former answers, or not to use diagrams, if there are none
to support your analysis – but this is a very rare case)
c) Integrated examples (extract or real-world examples) throughout the whole paragraph
d) Evaluation at the end of the paragraph:
- Different time perspectives (long-term/short-term)
- Different stakeholders’ perspective
- Questioning assumptions (a certain policy works, but only under the condition that there
is no government corruption)
- Prioritizing (weighting the argument/point over other points)

3. Final judgment (conclusion)

Overall answer to the question in an evaluative way

i) Answer explicitly the question

ii) Justify your answer (by weighting up the points presented in the main body of your
analysis)
iii) Provide BALANCE (this is a correct answer as long as….. – show that you are aware of the
possible limitations/risks)
iv) Show the short-run/long-run perspective
v) Remember to use example (real-world or extract) throughout the judgment

Formal criteria
Paper 1