Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 4(a) Mark Scheme
Question 4 Mark Scheme: Ecologism
Question 4 is a 24-mark Political Ideas essay, with 8 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3. The command phrase “To what extent” requires students to identify areas of agreement and disagreement between the strands of ecologism, analyse how significant those differences are, and sustain a judgement throughout the essay rather than simply deciding at the end.
Pearson's mark scheme requires students to consider both sides of the debate and use specific prescribed thinkers. A response that considers only one side, or does not refer to relevant thinkers, cannot progress beyond Level 2. The specification identifies three broad strands, deep green, shallow green and social ecology, alongside Leopold, Carson, Schumacher, Bookchin and Merchant as the prescribed thinkers.
Levels of response
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–4 | Superficial knowledge, little comparative analysis and largely unsupported conclusions. |
Level 2 | 5–9 | Some accurate knowledge and some comparison, but analysis and evaluation are uneven or only partly developed. |
Level 3 | 10–14 | Mostly accurate knowledge, generally focused comparison and some substantiated judgements. |
Level 4 | 15–19 | Accurate, carefully selected knowledge, consistent comparative analysis and mostly substantiated judgements leading to focused conclusions. |
Level 5 | 20–24 | Thorough knowledge, perceptive and sustained comparison, consistently substantiated evaluation and a fully focused, justified conclusion. |
Pearson allocates 8 marks each to AO1, AO2 and AO3 for Questions 4(a) and 4(b).
Question 4(a)
Question
To what extent do ecologists agree that society must be radically changed in order to achieve sustainability?
The focus is on the extent of agreement about radical change. Students should therefore compare deep green, shallow green and social ecology across themes such as society, human attitudes to nature, the economy and sustainability. Simply explaining what each strand believes one after another will not produce the strongest analysis.
This question closely mirrors issues Pearson has previously assessed. The 2023 examiner report specifically praised candidates who compared the strands through themes such as humanity's relationship with nature, the economy, sustainability and the state, rather than merely labelling each strand radical or reformist.
Indicative content
The following is indicative rather than exhaustive.
Arguments supporting agreement that significant change is needed
All ecologists criticise important features of existing society.
Ecologism challenges the idea that humans can treat the non-human world simply as a resource.
Ecologists criticise aspects of industrialism, materialism and consumerism.
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