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How to go from a D to an A in A level politics

I dont know hoe to revise for A level politics and i have my mocks in 2 months and i haven't gotten one A yet. any tips?

Reply 1

rowan_willow

Which exam board do you use?

edexcel

Ah okay! I'm in yr 12 also doing edexcel and have an A. These things have helped me so hopefully they can help you too. Disclamer though, I have so far only done UK gov + pol and haven't started the american politics yet. I have done ideologies but only a couple.

Things you can do outside of lesson and study time:

- Read and watch the news, try reading one or two political news stories every day, BBC is fine and probably the most politically neutral but if you read The Times for example, make sure you balance it out with something like the gaurdian. Examiners look for up to date information, especially regarding UK politics.
- Podcasts!!! they are a real life saver, especially if you don't have time for a full on newspaper.

Some I listen to and would reccomend are:
A) The rest is politics - Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart
B) Choppers politics (telegraph) - Christopher Hope
C) Today in focus (the gaurdian) - Nosheen Iqbal and Micheal Safi

- Make some Quizlet flashcards on keywords from each chapter in your text book, in the book (Pearson Edexcel A Level government and politics: UK G+P 6th edition) they should be in the back of each module in a small box, learn these, they really help in each essay.

Stuff to do in study:

- Answer quesetions, literally do as many as you can, then mark them. The AO's are super important and can make a huge difference to your grade, a book I would reccomend seeing if your school has or if you can get in any way would be is this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KWL5LL2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 they have so many good questions and really help.

- Try some wider reading? I want to take politics at degree level so I might be going a bit far but reading aspects from Marx's communist manifesto can real help with the socialism section, try reading other things from the key thinkers as well.

- https://thepoliticsteacherorg.thepoliticsteacher.org/home this website literally covers everything in the course, as well as having example responses for different questions so you can get some grade A answers.

These are things that have helped me atm, is there anything specific you think you're struggeling on? If so I am more than happy to help just pm me,

hope this helps.

(edited 1 year ago)