Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 1 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 3(b) Mark Scheme
Question 3 Mark Scheme
Questions 3(a) and 3(b) are 24-mark Core Political Ideas essays. The command “To what extent…” requires students to compare areas of agreement and disagreement within the ideology, use the named thinkers from the specification to support those comparisons, and reach a reasoned judgement about whether the similarities or differences are greater.
Pearson allocates 8 marks each to AO1, AO2 and AO3 and suggests approximately 30 minutes for this question. Students who do not use specific thinkers from the specification, or who consider only one side of the debate, cannot progress beyond Level 2. Pearson also states that stronger answers compare ideological strands, with thinkers used to exemplify those strands, rather than simply writing separate paragraphs about individual thinkers.
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–4 | Limited knowledge, little relevant comparison and weak or unsupported judgement. |
Level 2 | 5–9 | Some relevant knowledge, but comparison or balance is limited. Judgements are only partially supported. |
Level 3 | 10–14 | Mostly accurate knowledge with some effective comparison of similarities and differences. Evaluation is present but may be inconsistent. |
Level 4 | 15–19 | Accurate and relevant knowledge, sustained comparative analysis and mostly substantiated judgements. |
Level 5 | 20–24 | Thorough knowledge, perceptive comparison of ideological strands and sustained evaluation leading to a convincing judgement about the extent of agreement or disagreement. |
Pearson's current guidance confirms these five bands and stresses that students need to compare similarities and differences throughout, rather than simply describing each strand separately.
Question 3(b), Socialism
To what extent do revolutionary socialists and social democrats disagree over the role of the state?(24 marks)
Students should compare the revolutionary socialist and social democratic approaches to the state. The key distinction is between overthrowing existing political and social structures and using or expanding the existing state to achieve socialist objectives. However, students must also identify areas of similarity if they are to access the highest levels.
The specification defines revolutionary socialism as the belief that socialism can only be achieved by overthrowing existing political and societal structures, while social democracy seeks to humanise capitalism in the interests of social justice.
Indicative content
Arguments suggesting substantial disagreement
Students may explain that revolutionary socialists believe:
the existing political and societal structures cannot simply be adapted to achieve socialism
capitalism is fundamentally exploitative
revolutionary transformation is therefore necessary
the existing state ultimately has to be replaced rather than merely expanded
Marx and Engels see class conflict, historical materialism and revolutionary class consciousness as central to socialist transformation
Rosa Luxemburg rejects revisionism and argues that reform and democratic struggle should develop the class consciousness required for the eventual overthrow of capitalist society and the state.
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