What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Politics?

Use recent election examples to support arguments.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Politics? (2)

Consider both traditional and new media.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Politics? (3)

Be critical of poll data and methodology.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Politics? (4)

Use recent election results as evidence.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Politics? (5)

Compare manifestos on key issues like Brexit or NHS.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Politics?

Overstating the direct effect of media on voting.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Politics? (2)

Ignoring long-term factors like class and party identification.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Politics? (3)

Confusing correlation with causation in poll analysis.

Politics

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 603/1223/3

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

45%-50%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues

AO2

35%-40%

Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences

AO3

25%-30%

Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions

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

Pearson

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

•Overstating the direct effect of media on voting.
•Ignoring long-term factors like class and party identification.
•Confusing correlation with causation in poll analysis.
•Confusing functions of parties with pressure groups.
•Overgeneralising party ideologies without evidence.
•Underestimating the influence of minor parties.
•Confusing the mechanics of different systems.
•Overgeneralising the effects of a system.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use recent election examples to support arguments.
•Consider both traditional and new media.
•Be critical of poll data and methodology.
•Use recent election results as evidence.
•Compare manifestos on key issues like Brexit or NHS.
•Discuss the role of the Electoral Commission in funding.
•Use case studies from recent UK elections.
•Compare systems using criteria like proportionality and accountability.

Specification Topics

5 topics

UK Politics

Voting behaviour and the media explores factors influencing how people vote and the media's role in politics. It covers opinion polls, social media, and their impact on elections.

Voting Behaviour and the Media, Political Parties, Electoral Systems +1 more

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls4 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic examines the nature of democracy in the UK, exploring direct and representative models and their implications for citizen participation. It evaluates the extent of political engagement, considering factors such as electoral turnout and pressure group activity, within the broader context of the UK's evolving constitutional landscape.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

UK Government

This topic examines the nature and sources of the UK constitution, including statute law, common law, and conventions. It evaluates arguments for and against a codified constitution and analyses the impact of constitutional reforms since 1997.

The Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Executive +1 more

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls4 subtopics

US Politics

This topic examines the structure and functions of the US Congress, including representation and legislation. Learners will evaluate the impact of party polarisation on congressional effectiveness.

US Congress, US Supreme Court and Civil Rights, US Presidency +1 more

0 objectives11 tips11 pitfalls4 subtopics

Global Politics

Power in global politics is categorised as hard, soft, or smart, with the distribution shifting in the 21st century. The rise of emerging powers like China and India challenges traditional Western dominance.

Power and Developments, Global Governance, Theories of Global Politics +1 more

0 objectives12 tips12 pitfalls4 subtopics

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