Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 1 | 2027 Predicted Paper | Question 2(a) Mark Scheme
Question 2 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 competing arguments and reach a reasoned conclusion. Pearson allocates 10 marks each to AO1, AO2 and AO3, with approximately 45 minutes suggested for the question.
Pearson's guidance makes clear that knowledge should underpin analysis and evaluation, students should develop arguments both supporting and challenging the view, and judgement should be developed throughout rather than left entirely to the conclusion. A response which does not consider both views in a balanced way cannot progress beyond Level 2.
Level | Marks | Indicative characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–6 | Limited and often generalised knowledge. Little developed analysis and weak or unsupported judgement. |
Level 2 | 7–12 | Some relevant knowledge and some consideration of both sides, but analysis and evaluation are uneven or underdeveloped. |
Level 3 | 13–18 | Mostly accurate knowledge, generally relevant analysis and some supported judgements, although evaluation may not be sustained. |
Level 4 | 19–24 | Accurate, well-selected knowledge, clear connections between arguments and mostly effective evaluation leading towards a supported conclusion. |
Level 5 | 25–30 | Thorough and precise knowledge, sustained analysis of competing arguments and well-substantiated judgements throughout, leading to a focused conclusion. |
Question 2(a)
Evaluate the view that the media has only a limited influence on voting behaviour in UK general elections.(30 marks)
Students need to assess the extent of media influence, rather than simply describing different types of media. Strong responses should compare media influence with other factors affecting voting behaviour and distinguish between the media influencing what voters see or discuss and actually determining how they vote.
This is directly within specification point 4.2, which requires assessment of the role and impact of the media during and between general elections, including opinion polls, media bias and persuasion. The wider 4.1 content also allows comparison with factors such as class, age, gender, ethnicity, region, party policies, campaigns and the political context.
Indicative content
Arguments supporting the view that media influence is limited
Students may argue that voting behaviour is affected by numerous factors other than media coverage. Social characteristics such as class, age, ethnicity, gender and region, together with partisanship, party policies, manifestos, governing competency and the wider political context, can all influence voting.
Exposure to political media does not necessarily equal persuasion. Voters may consume information which confirms an existing political preference rather than changing it. A newspaper endorsement, television interview or social-media post may therefore reinforce attitudes rather than create them.
The modern media environment is also highly fragmented. Voters can choose between television, newspapers, websites, social-media platforms and other sources. This makes it harder for any single outlet to exert the kind of dominant influence sometimes associated with older mass-media models.
Trust also varies between media sources. Ofcom's 2024 research found that traditional television and radio news were rated more highly than social-media sources for attributes such as trust, accuracy and impartiality. This may limit the persuasive effect of material encountered online.
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