Politics a level
I’m actually screwed for this subject I’m on a D lack necessary knowledge and essay plans for year 12. Does anyone have tips on how to raise my predicted? We have an upcoming test but I’m still cooked despite revising.
Reply 1
Hello,
Politics is a really tricky subject, as there is so much content and such a specific exam technique. I'm sure that you'll get there though, even if it feels like a lot.
For me, the best way to revise was to group the information together using the spec. I would write all of my notes out in a notebook (basically making my own textbook), and divide it by the sections within the spec. Each section then had a different colour, and I put doodles and such everywhere to try and make it funny and therefore easier to remember.
Flashcards are also always a good way to go. Make flashcards for key definitions, but also EXAMPLES. The key to a politics essay is to include contemporary examples. Not doing this will cap your mark. It doesn't need to be detailed or complicated, just whenever you mention a key term, add an example.
e.g.: It could be argued that pressure groups are not very influential, as their success is often dictated by public perception. For example, Just Stop Oil struggle to achieve their goals because the public disapprove of their methods, such as the attempted destruction of the Van Gogh painting.
You could also dot flashcards around your room/the house, so that every time you walk by them you have to answer the question. It's also good for association. (bathroom mirror- royal prerogative!)
With essays, I would ask your teacher for a lesson on technique, or just a power point with some sentence starters. Otherwise, try your exam boards website; there are usually example essays on there. Unfortunately, it is a case of knowing what the exam board wants from you.
I hope that helps, good luck!
Politics is a really tricky subject, as there is so much content and such a specific exam technique. I'm sure that you'll get there though, even if it feels like a lot.
For me, the best way to revise was to group the information together using the spec. I would write all of my notes out in a notebook (basically making my own textbook), and divide it by the sections within the spec. Each section then had a different colour, and I put doodles and such everywhere to try and make it funny and therefore easier to remember.
Flashcards are also always a good way to go. Make flashcards for key definitions, but also EXAMPLES. The key to a politics essay is to include contemporary examples. Not doing this will cap your mark. It doesn't need to be detailed or complicated, just whenever you mention a key term, add an example.
e.g.: It could be argued that pressure groups are not very influential, as their success is often dictated by public perception. For example, Just Stop Oil struggle to achieve their goals because the public disapprove of their methods, such as the attempted destruction of the Van Gogh painting.
You could also dot flashcards around your room/the house, so that every time you walk by them you have to answer the question. It's also good for association. (bathroom mirror- royal prerogative!)
With essays, I would ask your teacher for a lesson on technique, or just a power point with some sentence starters. Otherwise, try your exam boards website; there are usually example essays on there. Unfortunately, it is a case of knowing what the exam board wants from you.
I hope that helps, good luck!
Reply 2
Original post
by axryvnI’m actually screwed for this subject I’m on a D lack necessary knowledge and essay plans for year 12. Does anyone have tips on how to raise my predicted? We have an upcoming test but I’m still cooked despite revising.
Heyyyyy!!! I was getting C/B’s the whole 2 years leading up to the 2025 exams and only got 1 A* on one essay before the exams. Genuinely the whole reason why my grade got bumped up to an A* was because I changed my explanation from ‘this suggests that…’ to ‘this was imperative because it demonstrates…’ or ‘this was essential as it showcased’ (I.e. basically I changed my explanation to blatantly state the importance of my evidence and why) - another thing I did was add a summary at the end of my PEE-counterPEE which always started as ‘overall, it is clear that although *x* can be critically considered *y* is a more nuanced argument because…’ - lmk if you want my essay planner thingy cause idk if any of this makes ANY sense 😵*💫 (for reference I got a high A* after STRUGGLING for a long time on analyses)
Reply 3
I also got almost full marks in all of my ideology essays by only learning a few examples and tweaking the explanation (lmk if u want help on that asw) - this is all edexcel
Reply 4
axryvn
OP
5
Original post
by Flazzledazzle25I also got almost full marks in all of my ideology essays by only learning a few examples and tweaking the explanation (lmk if u want help on that asw) - this is all edexcel
Yes please!
Reply 5
axryvn
OP
5
Original post
by Flazzledazzle25I also got almost full marks in all of my ideology essays by only learning a few examples and tweaking the explanation (lmk if u want help on that asw) - this is all edexcel
Reply 6
Hey! I sent u a message can u see it?
Reply 7
Original post
by Flazzledazzle25Heyyyyy!!! I was getting C/B’s the whole 2 years leading up to the 2025 exams and only got 1 A* on one essay before the exams. Genuinely the whole reason why my grade got bumped up to an A* was because I changed my explanation from ‘this suggests that…’ to ‘this was imperative because it demonstrates…’ or ‘this was essential as it showcased’ (I.e. basically I changed my explanation to blatantly state the importance of my evidence and why) - another thing I did was add a summary at the end of my PEE-counterPEE which always started as ‘overall, it is clear that although *x* can be critically considered *y* is a more nuanced argument because…’ - lmk if you want my essay planner thingy cause idk if any of this makes ANY sense 😵*💫 (for reference I got a high A* after STRUGGLING for a long time on analyses)
Hi !, I was wondering if i could also see the essay planner 😭
Reply 8
hey guys!! I thought i might just copy and paste it so its easier! (sorry if the formatting is off at all).
Let me know if there is anything else!
Edexcel 30-Mark Essay Plan Scaffold:
Intro (The 3 D’s)
Describe – Briefly outline why there’s a debate (show both sides).
Define – Highlight subjective words in the question.
Declare – State your line of argument (clear thesis) + signpost paras.
Para 1 / Para 2 / Para 3 Structure
First line of argument (weaker)
Second line of argument (stronger)
Overall argument (evaluation – most important)
Link-back to question at the end of each para:
Conclusion
Let me know if there is anything else!
Edexcel 30-Mark Essay Plan Scaffold:
Intro (The 3 D’s)
Describe – Briefly outline why there’s a debate (show both sides).
•
“Although it can be argued that ____ because ____, a more nuanced line of reasoning is ____ because ____.”
•
“In this instance, I am defining ‘____’ as the …”
•
“Therefore, this essay will argue that ____.”
•
“It will first consider…, then examine…, and finally assess…”
First line of argument (weaker)
•
Point: “It can be suggested/argued that…” OR “Critics have argued that…”
•
Evidence: “For instance…” / “This is shown evidently through…”
•
Explanation: “This is important because it demonstrates/suggests/showcases…”
•
Point: “However, a more pronounced/nuanced viewpoint is that…” OR “However, a stronger point of view is…”
•
Evidence: “For example…” / “This is clearly highlighted by…”
•
Explanation: “This is significant because it highlights/illustrates/suggests…”
•
“Overall, regardless of the fact that (1st line of argument) demonstrates… it is limited because…
•
Moreover, it is imperatively clear that (2nd line of argument) is a better explanation because…”
•
“Therefore, (restate your side of reasoning using the essay question wording).”
•
“This therefore suggests that ____ is (effective/ineffective etc.),
1.
Weigh up both sides
2.
“Fundamentally, although ____ can be argued because ____, this is ultimately less convincing…”
3.
Assert your view
4.
“…(your view) is a far more nuanced explanation because ____.”
5.
Tie back to the question wording
6.
“Therefore, it is evident that (insert your side of reasoning using the exact essay question wording).”
7.
Optional
8.
“This matters because it highlights the wider significance of ____ in the context of ____.”
Reply 9
i a very similar one for source questions and one for 24 markers asw! let me know!
Reply 10
axryvn
OP
5
Original post
by Flazzledazzle25i a very similar one for source questions and one for 24 markers asw! let me know!
Could I get this one as well please? Sorry for any inconvenience 😭
Reply 11
Original post
by Flazzledazzle25Heyyyyy!!! I was getting C/B’s the whole 2 years leading up to the 2025 exams and only got 1 A* on one essay before the exams. Genuinely the whole reason why my grade got bumped up to an A* was because I changed my explanation from ‘this suggests that…’ to ‘this was imperative because it demonstrates…’ or ‘this was essential as it showcased’ (I.e. basically I changed my explanation to blatantly state the importance of my evidence and why) - another thing I did was add a summary at the end of my PEE-counterPEE which always started as ‘overall, it is clear that although *x* can be critically considered *y* is a more nuanced argument because…’ - lmk if you want my essay planner thingy cause idk if any of this makes ANY sense 😵*💫 (for reference I got a high A* after STRUGGLING for a long time on analyses)
hiii i was wanderinf if you could upload your notes and send me a link if that's possible - PLEASE I NEED AN A* and I just switched Sociology for politics like 3 months ago and im struggling (I'm in Y12) - THANK YOUUU
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what were the essay questions for politics alevel edexcel paper 2 2024?
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