Different question types
3 mark questions
3 mark questions are 100% AO1. So, you don’t need to evaluate or analyse the arguments. Just a short sentence or two – if accurate – is enough to get full marks and writing too much (especially if it is irrelevant) will actually lose you marks.
5 mark questions
5 mark questions are very similar to 3 mark questions – you will just have to write a little more. Typically, what you will be asked to explain will be a slightly more detailed concept or argument. However, 5 mark questions are still 100% AO1 and so you don’t need to analyse or evaluate.
12 mark questions
12 mark questions are still 100% AO1 and so you don’t need to analyse or evaluate.
25 mark questions
25 mark questions are the only questions that involve AO2, i.e. analysis and evaluation. A good 25 mark response will argue to a conclusion in a format like the following:
- Introduction
- Define key points
- Explain which side you are arguing for (E.g. “In this essay I will argue for theory X”)
- Argument for theory X
- Possible response to this argument
- Response to this response
- Possible response to this argument
- Argument against theory X
- Response to this argument
- Conclusion: Theory X is correct because of the arguments above
For examples of answers that make the top grade boundary (21-25 marks) check out the example essays page.