Evaluate the view that changing relationships and actions of states have been effective in addressing contemporary global issues.

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Edexcel A-Level Politics | Component 3B | 2027 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 3(b)

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 effectiveness of state relationships and actions, and reach a substantiated judgement. This is a 30-mark Section C essay, with 10 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3, so students need accurate contemporary examples, developed chains of reasoning and evaluation throughout the essay, not simply in the conclusion. Pearson also states that an answer which does not consider both views in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.

This question comes directly from specification point 4.6, which requires students to examine the ways and extent to which the changing relationships and actions of states address:

conflict
poverty
human rights
the environment.

A strong answer should therefore avoid turning into a general essay on state power. The focus must remain on whether changes in how states interact and act have actually helped address contemporary global problems.

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 basic, with descriptive arguments and largely unsupported conclusions.
Level 2	7–12	Some accurate knowledge and emerging analysis. Some competing arguments are considered, but evaluation is uneven and judgements only partly supported.
Level 3	13–18	Mostly accurate and relevant knowledge supports focused analysis. Both sides are considered and many judgements are substantiated.
Level 4	19–24	Accurate and carefully selected knowledge consistently supports coherent analysis and evaluation. Arguments are mostly substantiated and lead to focused, justified conclusions.
Level 5	25–30	Thorough and in-depth knowledge is effectively selected. Analysis is perceptive and sustained, with convincing connections between ideas. Evaluation is consistently substantiated and produces fully focused and justified conclusions.

Pearson's official Section C guidance states that candidates should develop analysis which both supports and rejects the view, evaluate those arguments, rank their significance where appropriate and reach a reasoned conclusion.

Indicative content

1. Conflict

Argument supporting the view: greater multilateral co-operation can help contain and resolve conflict

Changing relationships between states have led to increased use of international and regional mechanisms for managing conflict rather than relying solely upon unilateral action.