General Studies AssessmentTERM 1

What connects the following?

Question

Outline the role of a pressure group. Assess two of the means by which pressure groups try to achieve their goals. [30]

Procedure

To be completed in your first supervised study period of the week.

Hand to your form tutor by Thursday.The essay should take you 30 minutes

to complete.

Guidance

There are 6 marks for outlining the role of pressure groups and 24 marks for assessing the means by which they try to achieve their goals.

Ensure you give equal weight to the two means by which they achieve their goals.

Examine the positive and negative elements of both means.

Consider their effectiveness, using case studies e.g. evidence of success.

Include your personal opinion and/or experience.

Means to achieve pressure group goals

Media campaigns: appearing on topical news shows, addressing issues in popular dramas, social media.

Direct action: publicity stunts, e.g. Fathers for Justice. Also boycotts and protest marches

Lobbying Parliament: petitions delivered to Downing Street, writing to MP.

Utilising “expert” status: professional bodies exert pressure by use of research findings and specialist knowledge e.g. BMA obesity and drinking campaigns.

[While it may be true that anonymous donations, intimidation and blackmail are also effective means of applying pressure on Government, these strategies should be avoided.]

Marking

A Grade: Will offer a thorough outline and assessment of pressure groups; some complex reasoning; will include personal opinion and/or experience; clear layout and accurate communication 24-30 marks (generally 400 words+).

C Grade: Some understanding; examples will be relevant; two means will be covered, although not necessarily in equal depth; may be superficial in content and/or structure; communication will be clear and errors will not blur understanding 16-19 marks (generally 250+ words).

E Grade: Answers will concentrate on description at the expense of analysis; personal opinion will be absent, or if present will not be directly relevant; structure will be unclear and communication will display weaknesses which hamper understanding 8-11 marks (generally 100+ words).