What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Philosophy?

Use structured arguments with clear premises and conclusions.

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Philosophy? (2)

For essay questions, plan your response to include both exposition and critical evaluation.

What should I focus on for WJEC A-Level Philosophy? (3)

Reference specific philosophers (e.g., Kant, Mill) to support claims.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Philosophy?

Confusing relativism with subjectivism.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Philosophy? (2)

Failing to consider counterarguments or limitations of a theory.

What are common mistakes in WJEC A-Level Philosophy? (3)

Misapplying ethical principles to scenarios (e.g., treating rule utilitarianism as identical to act utilitarianism).

Philosophy

WJEC

A-Level

Specification: WJEC-A-Level-Philosophy

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

78%-80%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and methods of philosophy, including through the use of philosophical analysis

AO2

23%-25%

Analyse and evaluate philosophical arguments to form reasoned judgements

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

WJEC

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing relativism with subjectivism.
•Failing to consider counterarguments or limitations of a theory.
•Misapplying ethical principles to scenarios (e.g., treating rule utilitarianism as identical to act utilitarianism).

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use structured arguments with clear premises and conclusions.
•For essay questions, plan your response to include both exposition and critical evaluation.
•Reference specific philosophers (e.g., Kant, Mill) to support claims.

Specification Topics

1 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic introduces students to foundational concepts in ethics, exploring key theories and their applications. It examines moral reasoning, normative frameworks, and the role of ethical principles in personal and professional contexts, equipping learners with critical thinking skills for real-world dilemmas.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

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