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Comprehensive Guide to NCTJ Public Affairs Local Government Exam

Prepare effectively for the NCTJ Public Affairs Local Government exam with this detailed guide covering key topics, question structures, and essential tips for success. Ace your finance and key terms sections with expert advice.

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Comprehensive Guide to NCTJ Public Affairs Local Government Exam

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  1. NCTJ: PUBLIC AFFAIRS LOCAL GOVERNMENT

  2. The paper • 2 hours • 200 marks • Pass mark 50% (rounded up) • All questions worth 50 marks • Answer BOTH questions in Section A • Choose TWO questions from Section B (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) • Question 8 is made up of six parts and you must answer FIVE • No dictionaries allowed

  3. Tips • Read front cover: name on each page, page nos. • Each answer on separate sheet • Answer four questions in total • Spilt time evenly: 10 mins reading through questions, 25 minutes each question and 10 minsat least for checking answers • No negative marking

  4. Main difference with university exam • Sources you would go to for stories • Questions you would ask sources

  5. SECTION A 2 compulsory questions Finance question Key terms question

  6. Question 1 • Compulsory question • Always on finance • Usually divided into 40 marks and 10 marks • A) Subject (40 marks) and B) sources for stories (10 marks) • Will have a scenario with information • Q1a) Topics: sources of capital funding, sources of revenue funding, central govt control of funding, local govt control of funding • Q1b) Five sources would contact for follow up and reasons for choice or fives questions would ask

  7. Q1a) Finance main question • Mini-essay but not developing an argument • Explain the different aspects, pros and cons • Pick up marks for level of understanding, detail and examples of real councils / topical issues / future changes • Write everything you know, as no negative marking

  8. Q1b) Sources • Councillor: Portfolio holder for finance • Leader of the council / opposition leader • Officer: council treasurer • Taxpayer / service users / public • Local finance expert / economist : accountant, university specialist, financial advisor

  9. Q1b) Questions • Five sources and five questions you would ask • One question per person • Make each question different and relevant to the particular source • One mark for source and one mark for question • Ask one question each, not a double-barrelled question like How will this affect users and will they be angry? • Think DOA: detail, opinion action

  10. Question 2 • Compulsory • Key terms of all areas • Explain TEN out of 16 • 5 marks each • Write a description and explanation • Write everything you know • More marks for context, additional information, facts, examples, analysis /criticisms

  11. Key term marking guide 0 incorrect 1 some indication of understanding but superficial 2 broadly correct but muddled / with omissions 3 correct definition and clear explanation 4 as 3 but additional info with context 5 as 3 but with extra facts, examples, context and analysis

  12. SECTION B Choose TWO questions from a choice of six

  13. Section B topics • Council structures • Election procedures • Schools / education – always key term question • Social services / community care • Emergency services / police / community • Press access • Planning • Council conduct: allowances, interests, codes • Transport / trading standards / environmental health

  14. Question structure • Each one worth 50 marks overall • Sometimes a and b or a, b and c • Questions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, will each be on one topic i.e schools or planning • Question 8 is always answer FIVE of 6 questions, 10 marks each • Question 8 topics are a mixture of topics

  15. Questions 3 to 7 • Put your journalist hat on • Subject matter question/s (bulk of marks) • Contact idea question (10 marks) • Questions to ask sources (10 marks) • Think of obvious but varied sources and simple but varied questions • If asks for five sources and five questions, have one question specific to each source (1 mark per source, 1 mark per question asked of them) • Avoid repetition of similar questions

  16. S, P, G • Make sure spelling, punctuation, grammar are accurate • Not in marking guide but will give a bad impression and annoy marker • If there are two names for something then include both to impress examiner e.g Private Finance Initiatives also known as Public Private Partnerships

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