Higher Modern Studies Paper 2017 Essay Structure Introduction

Higher Modern Studies Paper 2017

Essay Structure Introduction Answer in 1 or 2 sentences – no marks! Middle Section (main body) Follow a KEKE format for each paragraph - 3 paragraphs will suffice. Conclusion Concluding comment – short and sweet! Provide a CLEAR JUDGEMENT for the marker.

Evaluate Essays Asking you to make a judgement about how good or bad something is. Read the question carefully… - This question is asking you to evaluate ONE electoral system only. - Looking at effectiveness in relation to representation of the voters. - Focus on FPTP or AMS.

In this style of essay, you will discuss the positive and negative aspects of your chosen voting system in separate paragraphs. You must ensure you mention both positive and negative aspects in the essay as a whole to gain full marks. K – why this voting system does provides fair representation E – evaluate positively K –further knowledge on the system E – evaluate positively again. In another paragraph simply switch positive evaluations for negative evaluations In the final conclusion of this 12 mark essay you must then highlight your OVERALL JUDGEMENT of whether the system provides fair representation for voters or not. See the next slide for an example of this type of paragraph using FPTP as the chosen voting system.

First Past the Post is a plurality system used to elect UK MPs. It is a winner takes all system in which the candidate wins parliamentary seat and gets to represent their constituency if they win more votes than the person in second place; the party with the most seats gets to form the Government. For example in 2015 the Conservative Party formed a majority government at Westminster (K). Many people, and businesses, believe that FPTP is a fair system of voting as it is likely to lead to only one party being in charge which will mean more economic and political stability as the Government does not have to rely on the support of other parties (E - positive). It also means that they can focus on carrying out their manifesto policies and run the country; David Cameron’s 2015 government carried out its promise to hold a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union (K). This political and economic stability is good for our economy and jobs as companies are more likely to invest in countries that are stable and not in countries in which ruling parties are always falling out with each other. (E – positive again)

K – AMS produces a proportional result… E – this provides fair representation because… K – A majority of voters will be represented in some way via AMS… E – this ensures effective representation as…

Essay Conclusion • “To conclude. . . ” • Refer to all the elements you have discussed in your essay. • When completing an Evaluate Q – MAKE AN OVERALL EVALUATION!

• • • Possible Evaluative terms Highly Mostly Slightly Only Strong Weak Majority Few Influential Probable Successful • • • Increasingly Decreased Valuable Significant Important Critical Vital Very Relevant Effective • • • Maintained Constant Consistent Considerable Inflated Limited Difficult Likely Clearly Definitely Possible Widely praised Can be used in conjunction with each other e. g. Highly relevant