Higher Politics
Assignment 2015
Commentary - Candidate 2
Candidate 2
The evidence for this candidate has achieved the following marks for each aspect
of this Course Assessment component.
Identifying and demonstrating factual and theoretical knowledge and
understanding of the issue, showing an awareness of different points of
view
– Background and framing of issue and alternatives
The candidate clarifies the issue in the opening paragraph whilst providing
detailed background to the issue. Alternative points of view are also identified.
There is no reference to the significance of this issue or how it may link with
related political concepts. 4 marks were awarded.
–
Knowledge and understanding which supports the analysis of the
issue
The candidate provides detailed information, data and quotes to support their
analysis of this issue. Information is provided on EU legislation, the impact on
benefits, potential costs and benefits of EU membership, public opinion
information and details of the common defence policy. This was awarded 5
marks.
In total the candidate was awarded 9 out of 10 marks for this section.
Analysing and synthesising information in a structured manner
The candidate makes a number of analytical points mainly regarding the
implications/consequences of EU membership. There is also an attempt to make
comparisons between different interpretations. Although many candidates will
discuss evidence and information before making analytical comments, this
candidate makes a number of analytical points at the introduction to different
sections of their Assignment. Some of these analytical points are backed up with
supporting justification or evidence, but credit cannot be awarded for analytical
information if it is contained within the resource sheet.
The candidate was awarded marks for analytical points on the following:
 Paragraph 2 – comment on EU undermining UK sovereignty (1 mark)
 Paragraph 3 – comments on negative impact of single currency on UK (1
mark)
 Paragraph 4 – point on the benefit to UK of single market with supporting
justification (2 marks)
 Paragraph 6 – analysis of benefit of free movement for UK economy (1 mark)
 Paragraph 7 – analysis of costs of EU membership (1 mark)
 Paragraph 9 – analytical comment on limits to benefits of common defence
policy with supporting justification (2 marks)
In total the candidate was awarded 8 out of 14 marks for this section.
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Higher Politics
Assignment 2015
Commentary - Candidate 2
Communicating and referring to political sources
The candidate refers to a number of political sources throughout their
Assignment and communicates information from these accurately, for example a
number of websites such as UKIP and Euromove.com. The candidate also refers
to a Daily Telegraph article and a BBC news report (though the title or date of this
is not referred to). As a least two sources are referred to and information from
these is communicated accurately, the candidate is awarded 2 marks.
In total the candidate was awarded 2 out of 2 marks for this section.
Drawing a detailed and reasoned conclusion(s) about the issue
The summative conclusion made by this candidate was categorised as one
insightful conclusion that attempted to qualify the economic case for EU
membership, but also incorporated the impact on sovereignty and an alternative
use for the funds required for EU membership. As a result, the candidate was
awarded 3 marks for conclusions.
The total mark awarded to this candidate under the updated Marking Instructions
was 22/30.
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