Learn from others: Browse anonymised top 3 and middle 3 mock exam results. No candidate numbers shown.
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| Question | Topic / Title | Max Marks | Class Avg | Performance % | RAG Rating |
|---|
Overall: The cohort demonstrated a solid understanding of the core themes, particularly regarding the UK Legal System (Theme 2). However, many candidates struggled with the higher-tariff questions (Essay Q8 and Source Analysis Q7), often failing to develop arguments fully or integrate specific "Own Knowledge" alongside source material.
"Which view do you agree with more?" (12 Marks)
Hover over the highlighted text to see the examiner's commentary.
"I agree with the Institute for Government that devolution has been uneven. The source states that "support for independence has grown to 45%", which contradicts Blair's aim of unity.EXAMINER COMMENT:
Excellent use of the source. The student selects a specific statistic to directly challenge the opposing view. However, to evaluate this further, we must look at Northern Ireland. While the source mentions peace, it fails to mention the collapse of Stormont in 2017 and 2022 due to the RHI scandal and Brexit protocols.EXAMINER COMMENT:
This is the 'Golden' standard. The student brings in precise OWN KNOWLEDGE (Stormont collapse, dates, specific reasons) that is NOT in the text to evaluate the success of devolution. This proves that devolution has not just failed to unite, but has led to governance failure."
"The ages of responsibility should be increased." (15 Marks)
In conclusion I think the ages should stay the same because young people are mature enough and it would be unfair to change them now.EXAMINER COMMENT:
This is a weak conclusion. It simply repeats a personal opinion ("I think") without summarizing the key arguments discussed or offering a nuanced judgement.
In conclusion, a blanket increase in ages is inappropriate. While there is scientific evidence regarding brain development that supports raising the driving age to 21 to save lives,EXAMINER COMMENT:
This is excellent. The student acknowledges a specific nuance (Driving) where the argument for 'raising' the age is valid. this does not justify delaying democratic rights. To raise the voting age would disenfranchise a generation who are already legally responsible for their own taxes and relationships.EXAMINER COMMENT:
Strong justification. The student distinguishes between 'safety' rights (driving) and 'civic' rights (voting), providing a sophisticated final judgement.
One principle is the rule of law.Correctly identifies a valid principle. This supports democracy because it ensures that everyone, including the government itself, is accountable under the law and prevents leaders from abusing their power.This is a clear explanation of *how* the principle supports democracy, securing the second mark.
A second principle is free and fair elections.Correctly identifies a second valid principle. This supports democracy by allowing citizens to choose their representatives and hold them to account, ensuring the government has the consent of the governed.Another excellent explanation that links the principle directly to a core democratic concept.
One way is through schools promoting shared British values.Correct. Education is a key method identified in the Mark Scheme. Another way is through local councils organising community events, such as sports days or festivals, which bring people from different backgrounds together.A specific, practical example of promoting cohesion.
The government may restrict free speech in the interests of national security, for example during wartime, to prevent secrets from being leaked to the enemy.Correct. National security is a valid justification. It may also be restricted to prevent 'hate speech', where language is used to incite violence against specific groups in society.Correct. Harm to society is a key limitation.
The source suggests identities are more accepted because society has become more tolerant and people are now freer to define themselves rather than being defined by old stereotypes.Good use of the source to form an initial point. For example, the source highlights that many people in London, regardless of their ethnic background, identify primarily as 'Londoners', showing that a shared, inclusive local identity is now widely accepted over a more traditional national one.This shows strong comprehension and analysis of the source material.
Furthermore, my own knowledge confirms that identities are more accepted due to legal changes. The Equality Act 2010 made it illegal to discriminate against people based on 'protected characteristics' such as their religion, race, or sexual orientation.Excellent use of specific own knowledge to develop the point far beyond the source. This legal protection has fostered wider societal acceptance and has empowered people to be more open about their varied identities without fear of prejudice.
One main feature is that the UK constitution is uncodified.Correctly identifies a key feature using precise terminology. This means that it is not written down in a single, authoritative document, but is drawn from multiple sources like Acts of Parliament, court judgments, and conventions.A full explanation that clarifies what 'uncodified' means.
Another key feature is Parliamentary Sovereignty.Correctly identifies a second key feature. This is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK and can create or repeal any law. No court can overrule its legislation.This clear and accurate definition secures the final two marks.
1. Income Tax.Correct.
2. Value Added Tax (VAT).Correct.
3. Corporation Tax.Correct.
One major difference is the separation of powers. In the UK, the judiciary, executive, and legislature are separate, ensuring checks and balances. In North Korea, there is a vast overlap, with the leader holding absolute control over all branches.A clear structural comparison.
Another difference is the party system. The UK has a multi-party system where opposition is an essential part of democracy. In contrast, North Korea is a one-party state where no political opposition is permitted.A strong point contrasting the nature of political competition.
Finally, leadership transfer differs significantly. In the UK, leaders leave office peacefully if they lose an election or the support of their party. In North Korea, power is concentrated in one family (the Kims) and often maintained through purges or force.Excellent comparison of how power is held and transferred.
1. Contract disputes, such as a customer suing a business for faulty goods or services.This is a perfect example of a civil case.
2. Negligence claims, for example someone seeking compensation for an injury caused by another person's carelessness.This is a second, distinct, and correct example.
1. A custodial sentence (prison), where an offender's liberty is removed.Correct.
2. A community sentence, which could involve carrying out unpaid work.Correct.
3. A fine, which requires the offender to pay a financial penalty.Correct.
One way Youth Courts differ is that they are less formal than adult courts.This correctly identifies a key difference. For example, the public is not allowed in, and the judge or magistrates may sit at the same level as the young person to make the experience less intimidating.This specific example clearly explains *how* the court is less formal, securing the second mark.
1. The right to get free and independent legal advice from a solicitor.This is a key, specific right.
2. The right to remain silent (although they must be warned that it may harm their defence if they fail to mention something they later rely on in court).This is a second, distinct, and legally guaranteed right.
Magistrates bring significant benefits to the legal system. Firstly, as the source states, they are local people, which means they have a good understanding of their community and its specific problems.Good use of the source to make a clear point. This local knowledge can help them make more informed and relevant sentencing decisions.
Secondly, because they are not professional judges, the source says they ensure the law and its application 'reflect ordinary people'.Excellent link between the nature of magistrates and public perception. This helps to build 'huge trust' in the justice system, making the public feel it is being administered by their peers, not by a distant elite.
Finally, magistrates are volunteers and are therefore very cost-effective. Given that they handle 95% of all criminal cases, they save the taxpayer a vast amount of money compared to if all these cases were heard by salaried judges.A strong point of own knowledge that develops the information in the source.
While both Tony Blair and the Institute for Government (IfG) present valid points, I agree more with the IfG’s view that devolution has largely failed to achieve its key objectives and has created new problems.A perfect start. It directly answers the question with a clear judgement and acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
The IfG’s argument is more persuasive because it is supported by measurable evidence. For example, it correctly points out that a primary goal of devolution was to curb the desire for Scottish independence, yet "support for independence has grown from 27% before devolution to about 45% today."This is excellent use of the source. You have selected a powerful piece of statistical evidence to support your argument. This is a significant failure that Blair’s argument does not address... The IfG’s argument is stronger because it focuses on the tangible, negative outcomes of devolution rather than its more abstract, unproven benefits.This is a superb piece of evaluation. You are directly comparing the quality of the evidence and explaining why one argument is stronger than the other.
While Tony Blair rightly celebrates the role of devolution in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, his argument is weakened by its failure to acknowledge the downsides... The fact that Scottish and Welsh university students pay lower tuition fees than English students is a clear example of this unfairness, which has created resentment and division rather than unity.This is an excellent use of your own knowledge to support and explain a point from the source, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic.
In conclusion, I find the IfG’s argument more convincing. Although devolution did contribute to peace in Northern Ireland, the IfG provides stronger evidence to show that in its other key aims—such as uniting the country and improving public services—it has not succeeded.A powerful conclusion that summarises your main points and provides a final, reasoned justification for your overall judgement.
I largely disagree with the view that the ages for legal responsibility need to be increased, as each responsibility has different requirements and a blanket increase would be inappropriate.This is a strong, nuanced thesis that establishes a clear line of argument.
For example, the right to vote at 18 is a cornerstone of democracy. Young people have a significant stake in the future of the country, especially concerning issues like climate change and the economy. To increase the voting age would be to disenfranchise a key part of the population and weaken the principle of democratic representation.A well-developed argument linking a specific right to a core democratic value. While some may argue 18-year-olds can be irresponsible, this is not a valid reason to deny a fundamental right.
On the other hand, there may be a case for reviewing other ages of responsibility based on scientific evidence. For example, neuroscientists argue that the part of the brain responsible for risk assessment is not fully developed until the mid-20s. This could support an argument for increasing the age for driving, where impulsivity can have lethal consequences.Excellent evaluation, introducing a counter-argument and supporting it with scientific concepts. This shows that the issue is not simple.
In conclusion, while safety concerns might justify reviewing the age for specific high-risk activities like driving, democratic principles strongly support keeping the voting age at 18. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all increase is not a logical approach; instead, each age of responsibility must be judged on its own balance of rights, duties, and risks.A powerful and sophisticated conclusion that summarises the nuanced argument and provides a clear final judgement.
Correct Answer: B
The United States of America has not ratified the UN convention on the Rights of the Child.
Correct Answer: D
Being treated differently because of your religion is classed as discrimination.
Acceptable Principles of Democracy:
Examples of promoting community cohesion:
Reasons to restrict free speech:
Indicative Content (How identity is varied/accepted):
Roles of the Chancellor:
Features of UK Constitution:
Issues of Disagreement:
Correct Answer: C
They are an example of direct democracy granted by Parliament.
Correct Answer: D
All Ministers and the PM are appointed by the Monarch.
Correct Answer: B
The House of Lords is comprised of those three types of peer (Life, Hereditary, Spiritual).
Comparison: UK vs North Korea
Types of Civil Court cases:
Methods of Punishment:
Differences in Youth Courts:
Correct Answer: C
Restorative Justice definition.
Rights on Arrest:
Benefits of Magistrates (Source-based):
Correct Answer: C
Support for Welsh devolution has increased.
Correct Answer: D
Devolution operates in an uneven manner across the UK.
Areas of Agreement in Source:
Indicative Content (Devolution Evaluation):
Arguments For (Success):
Arguments Against (Failure):
Indicative Content (Legal Ages):
Arguments for Increasing Ages:
Arguments for Decreasing Ages / Against Increasing:
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