Government And Politics Exam Tips

EXAM TIPS

INTRODUCTIONS

I have found that many individuals struggle with what content should be included in an Introduction paragraph. For this, an especially useful structure to use is CFA. This allows you to address what exactly the question is asking for. This will allow you to write the best possible introduction. Remember, a strong introduction will lead to a strong answer and set a positive mindset for examiners!

C Context: Take the main words in the question into the beginning of your introduction.

F Factors: What factors contribute to the main prompts within the question? If you state these straight away linking to the context, a strong introduction forms.

A Argument: What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the question? State this. This will show the examiner that you are setting out your argument early. This will create a good flow through the duration of your answer. You will have a clear and concise start to your answer with a strong introduction.

PARAGRAPHS

I have found that the PEELCP structure works excellently. This method of essay writing is efficient and gives much needed structure to essay writing. Additionally, it allows you to incorporate AO1, AO2 and AO3 into answers which allows you to attain higher marks.

P Point: What is your point? Incorporate words from the question here.

E Evidence: Start this with for example . Tie this into your point. Can be interchanged with Explain . For extract question, add in quotes etc here.

E Explain: Elaborate on your point and explain your evidence. Can be interchanged with Evidence

L Link: Link your explanation back to your main point. This shows to the examiner that you are remaining focused on the question objectives.

C Compare: Contrast your point. For UK and US focused questions contrast political and governing systems. For political ideas contrast with other ideologies.

P Problem: critique your point. However, do not discredit your main point. This can be through highlighting the strengths or weaknesses of your evidence or explanation. For extract questions, critique what use the extract is to the question. Question what source the extract is from.

(Please note that this structure is not rigid. If you d prefer to mix the PEELCP structure to your own writing style please do so. This is only my advisory structure!)