Command words

Give accurate points of knowledge about the topic. No opinion needed — just show what you know. Each developed point can earn a second mark.

How the marks fall

• 1 mark for each accurate, relevant key point of knowledge.
• A second mark for each point that is developed.
• Full marks by four straightforward points, two developed points, or a combination.

Give reasons why something happened. Every point must answer “why” on its own — a developed reason earns a second mark.

How the marks fall

• 1 mark for each accurate, relevant reason.
• A second mark for each reason that is developed.
• Each sentence/point must answer the question on its own.

Say how two sources agree or disagree — an overall line first, then point-by-point with a short quote from each source.

How the marks fall

• 1 mark for a simple comparison (what the sources agree/disagree about).
• 2 marks for a developed comparison, supported by specific references to each source.
• Full marks by four simple comparisons, two developed comparisons, or a combination.

Judge how fully a source explains a topic — using the source AND your own recall of what it leaves out. Make a judgement, or you’re capped at 2 marks.

How the marks fall

• Up to 3 marks for points from the source that support your judgement.
• Up to 4 marks for points of significant omission from recall.
• Maximum 2 marks if no judgement is made, or if you refer only to the source.

Judge how useful a source is — using its Content, what it Omits, its Author and its Timing (COAT). It’s a source question, so quote the source.

How the marks fall

• Maximum 4 marks for comments on author, type of source, purpose and timing.
• Maximum 2 marks for comments on the content of the source.
• Maximum 2 marks for comments on points of significant omission.

The big essay. Weigh up several factors and decide which mattered most, with a supported conclusion. Marks are for knowledge plus structure.

How the marks fall

• 5 marks for knowledge — 1 KU mark for each accurate, developed fact you give to support your factors (not too brief). If only one factor is presented, max 3 for knowledge.
• Structure marks: 1 for an introduction, 1 for balance (more than one factor), 2 for a conclusion (1 for a valid judgement, 1 for a reason supporting it).

Describe using PEE — Point, Explanation, Example. The specific, recent example is where learners most often drop the mark.

How the marks fall

• 1 mark for an accurate but undeveloped point (P).
• +1 mark for developing/explaining it (E).
• +1 mark for a specific example (E). Up to 3 marks per description; two descriptions needed for full marks.

Explain reasons using PEE plus a line of analysis (why it matters / how it links to other factors).

How the marks fall

• 1 mark for an accurate but undeveloped reason (P).
• +1 for explanation (E), +1 for a specific example (E), +1 for analysis. Up to 4 marks per explanation.
• A maximum of two explanations are credited.

Draw a conclusion for each bullet point in the question, then back it with evidence quoted from the sources.

How the marks fall

• Conclusion + one piece of evidence = 2 marks. That is all you need for two of the three marks.
• The 3rd mark does NOT come from a second piece of evidence linked to the same point — it comes from using evaluative terminology (e.g. “this clearly shows”, “the strongest evidence is”, “significantly”, “overwhelmingly”).
• Comparison bullets (e.g. the UK compared with another country): you must give evidence about BOTH sides — but two pieces of evidence together still earn only ONE evidence mark, not two. You can still earn the 3rd mark with evaluative language, exactly as normal.
• Up to 3 marks per bullet point; four conclusions (one per bullet point) are needed for full marks (10).

Use the sources to both support AND oppose a view — you need evidence for both sides to reach full marks.

How the marks fall

• Up to 3 marks for each developed point using accurate source evidence.
• Maximum 6 marks if you only support OR only oppose.
• For full marks you must use all sources and give evidence that supports AND opposes the view.

Choose one option, justify it with as much source evidence as you can, then say why you rejected the other (the rebuttal).

How the marks fall

• Up to 3 marks for a developed justification; credit highly where you link evidence between sources.
• For full marks you must justify your decision AND explain why you rejected the other option.
• Maximum 8 marks if you only deal with one option.