Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 4(b) 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(b)
Question
To what extent is there more agreement than disagreement within ecologism about environmental consciousness?
Students should focus specifically on environmental consciousness, rather than writing a generic essay about agreement within ecologism. The specification defines environmental consciousness as a state in which a person's sense of self is realised through deep identification with the non-human world and requires students to examine the extent to which a radical change in human nature and society is needed.
Indicative content
Arguments suggesting agreement
All ecological strands reject an entirely uncritical human domination of nature.
Ecologism begins from concern about the relationship between living beings and their environment.
All strands recognise environmental limits and the need to change some aspects of human behaviour.
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