Assessment objectives and synoptic skills

This topic develops the assessment objectives for AQA A-Level Politics 7152. AO1 requires accurate knowledge of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues; AO2 requires analysis of relationships, consequences, comparisons and political information; AO3 requires balanced arguments, substantiated judgements and conclusions. The topic also covers interpretation of political information, connections within and across areas of study, coherent communication and explicit UK-US comparison. Students should use these skills together: select precise evidence, explain why it matters, compare where relevant, test an alternative view and reach a conclusion that follows from the political context. Strong A-level responses should define the relevant political concepts, distinguish institutions and actors, use precise evidence and explain the consequences of the argument. Evaluation should test an alternative interpretation, consider the limits of the evidence and reach a judgement that answers the exact command word rather than repeating a general topic description.