AQA A-Level Sociology | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Section B: Global Development Mark Scheme
Question 16
Outline and explain two ways in which environmental problems may increase global inequality.
[10 marks]
What the question requires
Outline and explain requires students to identify two distinct environmental problems or processes and then explain how each can widen inequalities between societies. For 10 marks, students should aim for two developed paragraphs rather than a list of environmental issues.
The crucial link is:
environmental problem → impact on poorer/developing countries → widening global inequality.
A student who simply describes climate change, pollution or deforestation without explaining the effect on global inequality would not fully answer the question.
Marking guidance
Marks | Descriptor |
8–10 | Very good knowledge and understanding of two ways environmental problems may increase global inequality. There are two developed applications of relevant sociological material. Analysis clearly explains how environmental damage may produce or intensify inequalities between countries or populations. |
4–7 | Reasonable to good knowledge and understanding of one or two relevant ways. There is some development and application, although one point may be stronger than the other or the link to global inequality may not always be explicit. |
1–3 | Limited knowledge and understanding. The answer may describe environmental problems generally without showing clearly how they increase global inequality. There is little or no analysis. |
0 | No relevant material. |
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