Strong A Level Politics essays are clear, evidence-led and judgement-focused. Examiners reward how well you answer the exact question using precise knowledge (AO1), logical analysis (AO2), and balanced evaluation with a defended judgement (AO3).

This guide gives you a simple structure, model sentence starters, and quick examples you can adapt in timed exams.

Before you write: decode the question

• Underline the command words (e.g., “evaluate”, “to what extent”, “assess”).
• Ring the scope (topic, time frame, country/option).
• Draft a one-line thesis that directly answers the question (your overall judgement).

New to the mark scheme? Read: How Politics exams are marked (AO1/AO2/AO3).

Your go-to essay structure (PEEJE)

Use this argument-led paragraph template to hit all three AOs:

• P — Point: A clear claim that answers the question.
• E — Evidence: Recent, specific example (names, dates, votes, rulings, data).
• E — Explain: Link evidence to the claim (cause → effect → significance).
• J — Judge: Weigh it (how far? under what conditions?).
• E — Evaluate: Counter-point/limitation + mini-verdict returning to the question.

Model paragraph (UK Parliament oversight)

Select committees enhance executive scrutiny (Point). In 2023–24, the Public Accounts Committee repeatedly challenged spending on major infrastructure, prompting revised departmental reporting (Evidence). This matters because committees operate cross-party and publish binding-influence reports, increasing transparency and constraining ministers (Explain). However, their recommendations are not legally enforceable and government majorities can blunt impact (Judge). Overall, committees significantly strengthen scrutiny, though effectiveness varies with majority size and media salience (Evaluate).

Introductions and conclusions

• Intro (2–3 sentences): Define key terms + give a clear line of argument (“Overall, to a large extent … because …”). Avoid listing points.
• Conclusion: Weigh briefly (criteria such as significance, frequency, reach) and state an explicit, question-specific verdict. No new evidence.

Using examples like an examiner

• Prefer recent, accurate cases (last 12–24 months where possible).
• Be specific: name the bill, judgment, vote share, turnout, leader, date.
• Tag your examples to topics in your notes so recall is fast in the exam.

Build your bank weekly: How to track current affairs efficiently.

Comparative answers (if your option requires it)

• Mirror your paragraphs: UK point → US point on the same sub-issue.
• End each pair with a mini-verdict comparing strength/significance.

Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

• Narration over analysis: Don’t retell events. Add “This shows… because…” to force AO2.
• Vague evidence: Swap “recent reforms” for the exact act, year, and consequence.
• No evaluation: Add a one-line mini-judgement to every paragraph.
• Drifting from the question: Echo keywords from the prompt in topic sentences and the conclusion.

Timed practice routine

• Weekly: two 10–12 minute paragraphs (PEEJE) on different topics.
• Fortnightly: one full timed essay; self-mark with the AOs; rewrite one paragraph better.
• Run-up to exams: past papers under full timing; rotate topics systematically.

Self-marking checklist

• Defined key terms precisely (AO1)?
• Used specific, recent evidence and explained why it supports the point (AO2)?
• Weighed arguments and gave a clear judgement in each paragraph and at the end (AO3)?
• Answered the exact question throughout (signposting keywords)?

Related guides

Assessment Objectives explained · How to prepare for A Level Politics · Is A Level Politics hard? · What is the pass mark?