Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 1 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 2(b) Mark Scheme
Questions 2(a) and 2(b) are 30-mark non-source essays. The command “Evaluate the view that…” requires students to test the stated view against the alternative, analyse the relative strength of the arguments and reach a substantiated judgement. Pearson allocates 10 marks each to AO1, AO2 and AO3, and suggests roughly 45 minutes for this question.
Unlike Question 1, students must rely on their own knowledge and understanding, because there is no source. Pearson stresses that both sides must be considered in a balanced way, while evaluation should run throughout the essay rather than appearing only in the conclusion.
Generic levels for Question 2
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Limited political knowledge, mainly descriptive material, little analysis of the debate and weak or unsupported judgement. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some relevant knowledge and some consideration of both views, but analysis and evaluation are uneven or underdeveloped. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate and relevant knowledge, clear analysis of competing arguments and some substantiated judgements. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate, well-selected knowledge, sustained analysis of both sides and mostly effective evaluation leading towards a supported conclusion. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and precise knowledge, perceptive analysis, sustained comparison of competing arguments and well-supported judgements developed throughout the response. |
Pearson's guidance is particularly clear that AO3 is not something to add at the end. Stronger essays build towards their conclusion through incremental judgements, rather than presenting two descriptive sides followed by an unsupported verdict
Question 2(b)
Evaluate the view that First-past-the-post is preferable to the Additional Member System for electing representatives in the UK.(30 marks)
Students need to compare First-past-the-post (FPTP) directly with the Additional Member System (AMS). A response that simply explains how each system operates will gain AO1 but will not reach the highest levels. Students should organise the essay around comparable criteria, such as proportionality, voter choice, representation, constituency links and effects on government.
Both systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and comparison of FPTP with an electoral system used in a devolved legislature are explicitly required by the Edexcel specification.
Indicative content
Arguments that may be used in support of FPTP
Students may consider:
simplicity, because voters select one constituency candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins
the clear geographical relationship between an MP and a constituency
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