12 Mark Essay Structures
Introduction
This should be brief, but set the question in context.
Main Section of the Essay
Complete this framework for three points to be sure that you are covering all the relevant areas. Your middle section
should be three-four paragraphs. While the marking scheme says ‘at least two relevant points of KU’, by putting in more you
give the marker more material to draw on to find the marks.
POINT-A brief sentence introducing something related to the question/statement
EXPLAIN-Go on to explain the relevance of your point
EXAMPLE-Provide an example of the point you are making – eg statistics, referenced quote, factual information
ANALYSIS-Analyse the links between the points for and against the question/statement
Link-means you are weighing up your KU point in reference to the question
CONCLUSION
While no direct marks are given for the conclusion, it may be that as you are writing it, you have analytical points of KU that
could get you marks if you have not gained marks for this in other parts of your essay.
1
12 Mark Essay Markers Grid
1 mark
One relevant
aspect of the
issue given with
some description
2 marks
Two relevant aspects of the
issue given with some
description or one relevant
aspect covered with detailed
and accurate description
Quality of explanation/
exemplification of
knowledge
Up to a maximum of 8
marks available for
knowledge and
understanding
Some explanation
of one aspect of
the issue or
relevant
exemplification
Some explanation of two
relevant aspects of the issue
or detailed explanation of one
aspect of the question which
may include relevant
exemplification
Analysis/evaluation
Comments that identify
relationships/implications/
make judgements
4 marks*
One relevant and
accurate
analytical or
evaluative
comment
Range of relevant
knowledge
Accurate, relevant, up to
date
One relevant and accurate
analytical or evaluative
comment that is justified or
exemplified or two different
relevant and accurate
analytical/evaluative
comments
2
3 marks
One relevant aspect of
issue with detailed and
accurate description and
one relevant aspect with
some description
Detailed explanation of
one relevant aspect of the
issue with relevant
exemplification and some
explanation of one aspect
of the question
One developed relevant
and accurate analytical or
evaluative comment that is
justified and exemplified –
this should relate closely
to a key aspect of the
question
4 marks
At least two relevant aspects
with detailed and accurate
descriptions – these should
include the key aspects of the
issue
At least two relevant aspects of
the question, fully explained,
which relate closely to the key
aspects of the question and
extended, relevant, accurate and
up-to-date exemplification
One extended, accurate and
justified analytical or evaluative
comment of an insightful nature
which relates closely to the key
aspects of the question and is
exemplified
Essay Plan – ‘Pressure Groups can influence Government policy’. Discuss. 12 marks
Introduction – outline what you are going to discuss – Pressure Group activities – Insider and Outsider groups – how they
can influence Government policy.
Para 1 – Insider Groups
P – Insider Groups – explain what they are.
E – Easy for them to influence – good relationship
E – Examples – e.g CPAG, CBI, BMA, EIS, Cancer Research, etc
A – However, limited to working within Gov.t circles– safe politics. Give balance.
L – Mini conclusion – Insiders effective but may be unable to create situation for bolder issues to be discussed.
Para 2 – Outsider Groups
P – What are they? Explain how they work.
E – Are they likely to change Gov.t policy? Provide examples of their methods.
E – Examples of groups, eg UK uncut, NUS, Greenpeace, etc. The effectiveness of illegal methods.
A – They are effective at public awareness – examples BUT real political change is difficult. Give balance.
L – Mini conclusion – Outsiders – effective at raising issues, fighting causes, but lack the political clout to influence
Parliament.
3
Para 3 – Sugar Tax -Inside and Outside Groups
P – Explain what it is.
E – Can be used by insider and outsider. Influence on Parliament??
E– Examples of sugar tax – successes/failures – petitions, boycotts, demonstrations, strikes, etc.
A – Do these actions bring about change in laws? Do they influence Parliament short term, long Term? Can also include
example of BMA being insider as specialist information on NHS –sugar and outsider-dispute over junior doctors
demonstration/Jeremy Hunt dispute.
L – Mini Conclusion – Overall which type of group are effective at influencing politicians.
OVERALL CONCLUSION – Are pressure groups effective at changing laws – influencing politics??
4
5