A level politics

(I’m writing this under A level politics, but help is also needed for my A level history too as it’s to do with trying to achieve an A* in essay)

I’m compeltley stuck on what else I can add to essay assignments to bump it up from an A to an A*, I’ve only got a short while to do so as I want to get my history and politics grades up to A*’s by the application deadline for Cambridge, as I’m currently predicted AAA for my three A level subjects. If anyone can give a guideline to what examiners and in this case teachers are asking for in an A* essay that really differentiates it from only a grade A essay? Or if anyone can name something THEIR tutor has said to them about what is A* worthy? (My exam board is AQA for both if that helps) <3

Reply 1

YourLocalNerd

Hi!
So, I've actually only done the AS for both history and politics (maximum grade at AS is an A), but here is what I've been told gets you top marks. Also, my exam board is WJEC so double check that this applies to you!

Politics: You absolutely have to include examples- preferably recent ones. The way we're told to use knowledge in an essay is: use key term, define key term, give an example of key term. Failing to include examples will cap your marks by quite a bit.

History: State your argument, explain the link, THEN add knowledge. The essays are about how well you can create an argument, not how much content you know. Your knowledge should act as supportive evidence, backing up your point. If you're describing/narrating, or one piece of knowledge is more than two sentences, it's too much.

General:

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Short intro: include the question, state your stance

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If it is a multi factor question (e.g.: How far do you agree that economic struggle was the biggest threat to the Weimar government?), your first paragraph should be the named factor in the question. That way, if you run short on time, you've definitely got an answer to the question.

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I'm sure you already know this, but make sure to include opposing arguments. Not only that, but shut them down too. (e.g.: While it could be said that the left was a larger threat to the Weimar government because of XYZ, I would argue that economic struggle was more significant. The economic depression in Germany at this time was a root cause of political polarisation, and thus the left was a product of this issue.)

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The final sentence of the conclusion needs to be impactful. The best thing I've seen is 'if you could drop a mic after reading the last sentence, you've done it right' lol

I hope that is at least a little bit helpful? Good luck with your Cambridge application! :smile:

Reply 2

Anonymous.00

Original post

by YourLocalNerd

Hi!
So, I've actually only done the AS for both history and politics (maximum grade at AS is an A), but here is what I've been told gets you top marks. Also, my exam board is WJEC so double check that this applies to you!
Politics: You absolutely have to include examples- preferably recent ones. The way we're told to use knowledge in an essay is: use key term, define key term, give an example of key term. Failing to include examples will cap your marks by quite a bit.
History: State your argument, explain the link, THEN add knowledge. The essays are about how well you can create an argument, not how much content you know. Your knowledge should act as supportive evidence, backing up your point. If you're describing/narrating, or one piece of knowledge is more than two sentences, it's too much.
General:

•

Short intro: include the question, state your stance

•

The final sentence of the conclusion needs to be impactful. The best thing I've seen is 'if you could drop a mic after reading the last sentence, you've done it right' lol