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Model Answer (Exemplar)

Evaluation Score: 15/15

Word Count: ~350 words (400–450 words are typical for a strong 15-mark response — aim for breadth and depth on both sides)

Strong, measured opening — immediately states a clear position that disagrees to a large extent, setting up an evaluative tone.I disagree to a large extent with the statement. While a government has a fundamental duty to manage its borders, turning away those who genuinely need help violates both international law and our moral obligations. Introduces specific legal knowledge. Naming the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and ECHR shows excellent subject knowledge.A primary reason against the statement is the UK's legal commitments. The UK is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This means the government has a legal duty of 'non-refoulement' – not returning people to countries where their lives or freedom are threatened. Therefore, turning away genuine asylum seekers is not just morally questionable, it breaches international law. Evaluates the legal point by acknowledging the practical difficulty of implementation, showing balanced reasoning.However, it is true that processing these claims efficiently is highly complex and costly, leading to significant backlogs and tension in the current system. Develops the moral and practical argument regarding human trafficking. Shows understanding of current events (small boats).Furthermore, turning away vulnerable people without providing sufficient safe and legal asylum routes forces them to rely on human trafficking gangs. Desperate people fleeing war will continue to make dangerous journeys, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats. Fulfilling our duty to help genuine refugees by providing safe routes would undermine these criminal networks. Uses a strong evaluative transition to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint fairly.Despite this humanitarian perspective, one must acknowledge the practical pressures placed on the state. Engages directly with the FOR side — economic strain and democratic mandate. This ensures the answer is fully two-sided.There is a strong argument that a government is elected primarily to protect and serve its own citizens. High levels of uncontrolled migration can put significant strain on local public services, including the NHS, social housing, and schools. Furthermore, no country has infinite resources; managing immigration is essential to maintain social cohesion and ensure the economy can absorb new arrivals. Some argue that strict policies are necessary to deter illegal economic migrants from abusing the asylum system and taking resources away from the local population. Clear, well-substantiated conclusion. Weighs the two sides and delivers a final judgement based on the distinction between border control and refugee protection.In conclusion, I disagree with the statement. The UK government certainly has a duty to control immigration and prevent illegal entry; however, this must not come at the expense of those who genuinely need help. Border security and compassion are not mutually exclusive. The UK can, and legally must, operate a managed immigration system while still fulfilling its international obligations to provide a safe haven for those fleeing persecution.

Why this answer earned 15/15 (Level 4):

Convincing, sustained analysis of viewpoints on both sides — FOR and AGAINST arguments developed in equal depth.
Arguments evaluated and critiqued throughout — limitations acknowledged (e.g., the strain on public services and backlogs).
Specific, accurate evidence deployed: 1951 UN Refugee Convention, ECHR, non-refoulement, public service strain, and safe legal routes.
A clear, nuanced, well-substantiated overall judgement — separates the concept of general immigration control from abandoning asylum seekers.

📋 The Question & Indicative Content

Q03 — Paper 1 | Section 3.6 The UK's role in the rest of the world — 15 marks

"The UK government has a duty to control immigration, even if this means turning away people who genuinely need help."

How far do you agree with this view?
Give reasons for your opinion, showing that you have considered different views on the topic.
In your answer, you could consider: the UK's international obligations (e.g., human rights); the impact of immigration on public services and the economy; and the role of the government in representing its citizens.

📌 Indicative Content — arguments you could have used

These are not the only valid points — any well-reasoned argument is creditworthy.

✅ Arguments FOR the statement (control borders even if turning people away)

National sovereignty: A state must have control over its borders to maintain security and national identity.
Public services: High levels of immigration can place unsustainable pressure on housing, schools, and the NHS.
Democratic mandate: The government is elected to serve its own citizens first and must enact the policies voters demand, which often include stricter border controls.
Deterrence: Strict border policies discourage human trafficking and dangerous illegal crossings (e.g., small boats in the Channel).
Finite resources: No country has unlimited capacity; it is practically impossible to take in everyone who genuinely needs help worldwide without facing economic consequences.

❌ Arguments AGAINST the statement (do not turn away those in genuine need)

International Law: The UK is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the ECHR, creating a legal duty to protect refugees (non-refoulement).
Moral responsibility: As a wealthy, developed nation, the UK has a humanitarian duty to protect those fleeing war, persecution, and torture.
Safe routes: Turning people away without offering safe and legal routes pushes vulnerable people into the hands of criminal smuggling gangs.
Economic benefits: Migrants and refugees often fill crucial labor shortages, pay taxes, and contribute positively to economic growth.
Global burden sharing: The vast majority of the world's refugees are hosted by poorer, developing nations; the UK should take its fair share of the global responsibility.

📊 Mark Scheme Level Descriptors

Level	Marks	What it looks like
4	12–15	Convincing and sustained analysis of both sides. Reasoned, coherent arguments showing good breadth and depth. A well-substantiated overall judgement.
3	8–11	Analysis of both sides evident but unsustained. Reasoned arguments present. A judgement given, although may not be fully evidenced.
2	4–7	Some analysis but focused mainly on one side. Some reasoning and coherence. A judgement given with limited substantiation.
1	1–3	Simple/generalised answer. Little analysis. Undeveloped, lacking reasoned arguments. Judgement missing or asserted without support.
0	0	No rewardable material.

Candidate 4434

Word Count: ~348 words

Strengths

Balanced Structure: You successfully structure your answer to address both sides of the argument ('On one hand...', 'On the other hand...'), which is essential for a 'how far do you agree' question.
Clear Judgement: Your conclusion provides a clear and nuanced judgement, explaining that you agree with control but not to a "harsh" extent. This shows good evaluative thinking.
Use of Counter-Arguments: You effectively use phrases like "However, some may say otherwise" to show you are weighing up different viewpoints within your paragraphs, which is a high-level skill.

Targets

Incorporate Specific Evidence: Your points are logical but would be stronger with specific examples. For instance, when discussing pressure on services, you could mention NHS waiting lists or the housing shortage.
Use Key Terminology: To reach the top marks, you need to use precise Citizenship vocabulary. Mentioning the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, the Human Rights Act 1998, or the difference between asylum seekers and economic migrants would elevate your analysis.
Develop Legal and Political Arguments: Your arguments are mainly social and economic. Try to include a political point (e.g., a government's democratic duty to control borders) or a legal one (e.g., the UK's obligations under international law).
Refine Phrasing for Clarity: Some sentences are a little informal, like "wouldn't be classified as wrong". Aim for more direct and formal language, for example: "Conversely, refusing entry to those in need could be considered morally wrong and legally questionable."

Candidate 78910

Word Count: ~551 words

This is a very complex statement that is at the heart of one of the UK's biggest predicaments. Turning away people that require help would reflect the government supporting a communitarian ideology, however my discretion leads me to counter this statement with a Cosmopolitan because human rights are universal and not restricted. Turning away people who need genuine help would go against UK's positive obligations and universal expectations. National sovereignty should not battle with human rights. Based on this Communitarian prompt, many people would highlight the fact that increased immigration will continuously mount profound pressure on public services like the NHS and the price of housing would skyrocket. This would result in the progression of the cost of living crisis which will do more harm than good. In order to protect the borders, the government must act on a Utilitarian logic in order to protect the greater good. The government should be obliged to recognise state realism and protect the borders. If a government fails to do this, they lose legitimacy from those in the eyes of their electorate which creates the bond of citizens and leaders. Many people around the world are suffering from different crisis, types of crisis. To we allow all asylum seekers in, it would result in the breakdown of the NHS. The education sector would not have to cater for more people. Unemployment will skyrocket as a result of more competition and quality of life will severely deplete. In terms of housing, demand would out supply and not only housing prices will go up but so will tax rates. There are so many reasons why a Utilitarian logic is the saving grace for our situation. Now, while there are an endless amount of reasons why we should control immigration regardless any situation. These reasons are effortlessly countered by so many factors that almost legally oblige our government to encourage immigration. The 1951 Refugee convention obliges non-refoulment by the UK government. Asylum seekers cannot be turned back. If UK government where to do this it would be highly unconstitutional and would cause lost trust in the eyes of the electorate. Not only may not be voted back in but the electorate sees that they can't honestly abide by UK values. On top of that the UK (as a country who has signed the UDHR) should uphold Article 2 (right to life) and Article 3 (freedom from torture). Turning away asylum seekers who need genuine help would not only reflect moral failure but also legal breach. The UK's government has a positive obligation to uphold human rights universally and not restrictively. The Cosmopolitan approach leads this argument without dispute. Not only is it morally wrong for the UK to turn away asylum seekers but it is also a horrible decision to make when the UK aims for economic progression. Economic migrants and asylum seekers aid national success by filling empty job placements while also paying tax and increasing government revenue. In 1948 when the Windrush arrived, immigrants helped fill shortages in certain public sectors and they did more harm than good. It has been done before. The UK's 'duty to control' immigration is how I encourage immigration in order to prevent the collapse of essential services. It should be selective not restrictive. Overall, I believe is the UK were to have a more progressive approach they would think to the social contract at the expense of a better society and then respect immigration. If we want to progress we should encourage immigration as it places trust in our society and doesn't jeopardise human rights. The government must see it's international obligations to protect people who genuinely need help. Immigration encouragement is more worthwhile than turning away

Strengths

Excellent Conceptual Knowledge: You confidently use a range of complex political and ethical concepts (Cosmopolitanism, Communitarianism, Utilitarianism, state realism) to structure and deepen your arguments.
Strong Use of Evidence: Your response is well-supported with specific legal evidence, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the principle of non-refoulement, and Articles 2 & 3 of the UDHR. This elevates your answer beyond simple opinion.
Sustained and Nuanced Judgement: You establish a clear judgement early on and support it consistently. Your final point that immigration control should be "selective not restrictive" is a sophisticated, high-level evaluation.

Targets

Develop with Specific Policies: To push to full marks, you could name specific UK government policies (like the Rwanda deportation plan) and mention the legal challenges they have faced (e.g., the Supreme Court ruling it unlawful). This would make your points even more concrete.
Refine Terminology for Precision: Be careful with precise legal terms. In the UK context, "unlawful" or "in breach of the Human Rights Act" is more accurate than "unconstitutional." This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the UK's political system.
Proofread for Clarity: A small but significant typo in the fourth paragraph ("they did more harm than good" when discussing the Windrush generation) momentarily confused your meaning. Careful proofreading ensures your excellent points are always clear.
Acknowledge Counter-Argument Nuances: When discussing the pressure on public services, you could briefly mention that this impact is highly debated by economists. Acknowledging this complexity before refuting the point shows an even higher level of critical engagement.

Overall Class Weaknesses & Models

1. Lack of Specific Evidence: Students made general claims about government policy or its impacts without substantiating them with named laws, policies, legal cases, or statistics.
👉 Model: For example, the government's attempt to fulfil its duty to control immigration via the 'Safety of Rwanda' policy was challenged and initially ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court in 2023.
2. Imprecise Subject-Specific Terminology: Many essays lacked the precise vocabulary expected, often using general language (e.g., "wrong") instead of specific legal or political concepts, or confusing terms like 'asylum seeker' with 'economic migrant'.
👉 Model: The UK's duty to control immigration is legally constrained by its status as a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which protects the rights of genuine asylum seekers.
3. Limited Argument Scope: Arguments were frequently one-dimensional, focusing heavily on social and economic points (e.g., pressure on the NHS) while neglecting the crucial legal and political dimensions of the debate.
👉 Model: From a political perspective, a government could argue it has a democratic mandate from the electorate to enforce border control as a fundamental aspect of national sovereignty.
4. Insufficient Evaluation and Nuance: Top-level responses require evaluation; however, many students presented arguments as simple facts without acknowledging counter-arguments or the complexities within the debate.
👉 Model: While some argue that immigration places a strain on public services, this view is contested by numerous economic studies which suggest migrants are often net fiscal contributors, adding crucial nuance to the debate.

Teacher Next Steps

1. Evidence Hunt Drill: Provide students with three generalised sentences from their essays (e.g., "The government has laws about human rights."). In pairs, they have 5 minutes to use their phones or textbooks to find one specific piece of evidence (a law, a date, a statistic) to make the sentence more powerful. Share the best examples.
2. Terminology Taboo: Create cards with key terms (e.g., 1951 Refugee Convention, Human Rights Act 1998, Sovereignty, Asylum Seeker). In pairs, one student describes the term to their partner to guess, but without using the term itself or three other 'taboo' words listed on the card. This forces a deeper understanding of the concepts.
3. Argument Angle Spinner: Create a simple digital spinner or a six-sided die with the labels: Political, Economic, Social, Legal, Ethical, International. In groups, present a simple 'for' or 'against' point. They must spin/roll and, in 2 minutes, reframe the point or create a new one from that specific angle.
4. "However, On The Other Hand...": Read out a one-sided argument from an essay. The class must collectively build a chain of evaluative sentences. The first student must start a counter-argument with "However...", the next must add to it starting with "Furthermore...", and the next must introduce a different perspective with "On the other hand...".

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Model Answer (Exemplar)

📋 The Question & Indicative Content

📌 Indicative Content — arguments you could have used

✅ Arguments FOR the statement (control borders even if turning people away)

❌ Arguments AGAINST the statement (do not turn away those in genuine need)

Candidate 4434

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Candidate 78910

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Overall Class Weaknesses & Models

Teacher Next Steps

Extended Writing Feedback

Teacher Access

Dashboard Unlocked

🧑‍🎓 Student Quick Access

📊 Data Export

⚠️ Safeguarding Alerts

Model Answer (Exemplar)

📋 The Question & Indicative Content

📌 Indicative Content — arguments you could have used

✅ Arguments FOR the statement (control borders even if turning people away)

❌ Arguments AGAINST the statement (do not turn away those in genuine need)

Candidate 4434

🛑 Unlock Your Full Feedback

Candidate 78910

🛑 Unlock Your Full Feedback

Overall Class Weaknesses & Models

Teacher Next Steps