100 likes | 175 Views
General Studies Assessment. Term 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.
E N D
General Studies Assessment Term 1
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).