Edexcel A-Level Politics | Component 3B | 2026 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 3(b)
Evaluate the view that the European Union's economic influence is more significant than its political and military influence in global politics.
You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way.
(30 marks)
The command word “Evaluate” requires students to analyse evidence supporting and challenging the view, weigh the relative significance of different forms of EU influence, and reach a substantiated judgement. This is a 30-mark Section C essay, with 10 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3, so factual knowledge should underpin analysis and evaluation rather than appearing as detached description. Pearson also requires both sides to be considered in a balanced way, otherwise the response cannot progress beyond Level 2.
The question is directly within specification point 5.4, which requires students to consider the significance of the EU as an international body/global actor, including constraints on its political, economic, structural and military influence.
Levels-based mark scheme
Level | Marks | Indicative qualities |
Level 0 | 0 | No rewardable material. |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Superficial knowledge with limited analysis. Evaluation is simplistic and conclusions are largely unsupported. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some accurate knowledge and emerging analysis. Some competing arguments are considered, but evaluation is uneven and conclusions tend to be generic. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate and appropriately selected knowledge. Analysis is generally focused, both sides are considered, and many judgements are supported. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate and carefully selected knowledge consistently supports coherent analysis and evaluation. Arguments are mostly well substantiated and lead to focused conclusions. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and detailed knowledge is effectively selected. Analysis is perceptive and sustained, with convincing connections between ideas. Evaluation is consistently substantiated and leads to fully focused and justified conclusions. |
These bands follow Pearson's Section C descriptors. At Level 5, Pearson expects sustained logical reasoning, fully relevant evaluation and consistently substantiated judgements.
Indicative content
Arguments supporting the view: economic influence is more significant
1. The scale of the EU single market gives it considerable economic influence
The single market gives the EU considerable collective economic weight. The Council of the EU reports that it covers approximately 452 million consumers, has a GDP of around €18 trillion, and accounted for 15.8% of global trade in 2024.
Students could argue that:
Want to read more?
Subscribe to revision-notes.com to keep reading this exclusive post.