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Writing a 'Critically assess ...'' essay. (Unit 3: AS AQA)

In my lessons, my teacher told me to approach the 'Critically assess ...' question (Unit 3: Synoptic study, AS AQA) by first describe the theory and then raise 2-3 criticisms and discuss them in turn.

But what I found in the Mark Scheme was about 9-10 critical points, most of which I have never been taught.

Would I get a top mark if I criticise the theory very clearly with only 2-3 criticisms?
Or do I need to write down most of the 9-10 criticisms in the mark scheme to get top marks?
I'm so concerned as my AS exams are next Tuesday!

What approach do your teachers advise you to take, guys?

Reply 1

wackymathgal

with my teacher he says for the critaically assess problems first of all explain. so if it wascritically assess phenomenalism, you should first of all give an account of phenomenalism explaining what it is. Next you should offer criticisms, if you give 3 from a book, you should be fine, but give 1 or 2 original criticisms as well that you have thought of yourself. Lastly you have to give a conclusion, weigh up the argument and say how good it is.
I hope that helps. :smile:

Reply 2

FadedJade

yep, thats good advice! Don't worry about 9 or 10 criticisms, thats just silly, its just so examiners know what is acceptable.

Reply 3

coldplasma

Criticisms in mark schemes are, loosely described, 'spammed' in the mark scheme to cover as many approaches as possible. You don't have to mention even half of them, the examiners are looking for quality not quantity. If you put forward 2 or 3 criticisms and really discuss the implications of them, then you will do fine. The examiners also tend to like it when you don't leave a criticism unchallenged.