Edexcel A-Level Politics | Component 3B | 2026 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 2
Section B Mark Scheme
Analyse how realism and liberalism differ over the prospects for effective global environmental governance.
In your answer you must discuss any relevant core political ideas.
(12 marks)
The command word “Analyse” requires the student to explain the relationship between ideas and develop clear comparative chains of reasoning. This is not an evaluation question, so students do not need to decide whether realism or liberalism is ultimately correct. The 12 marks are divided equally between AO1 (6 marks) and AO2 (6 marks). Pearson also requires Section B answers to include a synoptic link to relevant core political ideas, and an answer with no synoptic point cannot reach Level 4.
A strong response would normally develop around three direct realist-liberal comparisons, integrating relevant environmental governance rather than writing one section on realism and another on liberalism.
Levels-based mark scheme
Level | Marks | Descriptor |
Level 0 | 0 | No rewardable material. |
Level 1 | 1–3 | Superficial knowledge of theories and environmental governance. Comparative analysis is limited, with partial chains of reasoning and limited synoptic material. |
Level 2 | 4–6 | Some accurate knowledge is used to support analysis. Some relevant comparison between realism and liberalism is made, with some developed reasoning and relevant synoptic points. |
Level 3 | 7–9 | Mostly accurate and appropriately selected knowledge. Comparison is mostly focused and supported by developed logical chains of reasoning. Relevant synoptic links are made. |
Level 4 | 10–12 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge consistently underpins analysis. There is sustained comparative analysis, coherent logical chains of reasoning and cohesive synoptic links to core political ideas. |
This follows Pearson's published Section B model. The official guidance states that candidates who discuss only one named theory cannot progress beyond Level 1, while those making no synoptic points cannot progress beyond Level 3.
Indicative content
The specification requires students to know that realism emphasises states, sovereignty, international anarchy, balance of power, the security dilemma and the likelihood of conflict. Liberalism instead emphasises optimism about human nature, harmony, complex interdependence, global governance and the growth of international organisations.
Students must also understand environmental governance through institutions such as the UNFCCC and IPCC, international environmental agreements, the tragedy of the commons and obstacles including sovereignty and divisions between developed and developing states.
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