1. Higher Modern Studies Essay Prep
20 mark Essays

2. Today we will… Identify the appropriate structure for 20 mark essays
Outline an overall essay plan
Write practice introduction and main body paragraphs

3. Success Criteria Understand the structure of 20 mark essays
Create an overall essay plan
Complete practice introduction and practice main body paragraphs.

4. Essay Language
Using the right vocabulary is very important in establishing and developing your argument in Higher Modern Studies.
Be sure to use the help sheets for analytical and evaluative terms which are on the class blog.
Ensure you use the appropriate topic terminology as well – if you don’t understand a term don’t use it!
See worksheet

5. How to Structure your Essay
Introduction Up to two marks for including these
Conclusion
3 Main Body Paragraphs – aim to pick up 3 Knowledge marks, 2 Analysis marks and 1 Evaluation mark per paragraph.

6. KAKAE+ For each paragraph… Knowledge + Example Analysis Evaluate
KexAKexAE

7. Discuss Question
Electoral Systems do not always provide for fair representation. Discuss.
You should refer to electoral systems used in Scotland and or the United Kingdom or both in your answer.

8. Breakdown: What is the question asking?
Electoral Systems do not always provide for fair representation. Discuss.
“Electoral Systems” – the question is clearly asking you to compare and contrast different systems.
“fair representation” – fair usually means accurate so you will be looking at accurate representation of the people who voted.
“do not always” – discuss instances where systems both DO and DO NOT represent the people.

9. Brainstorm: what are you going to discuss in your essay?
With your partner, on the show me boards, highlight the various elements of the electoral systems which we have studied that you could discuss in this essay.
FPTP
AMS
STV

10. Plan: paragraph by paragraph
In the final exam you will have no time to write detailed essay plans – so don’t start that way!
Instead, create a brief plan which you can refer back to too keep on track - either bullet point or do a basic mind map!
Electoral systems - discuss
Intro
Par 1 –
Par 2 –
Par 3 –
Conclusion -

11. How to write an Introduction
A clear start to the essay is crucial - good introductions succinctly tell the marker what topics the essay will discuss.
Use the wording of the question to frame your introduction – you can then refer back to your intro to keep you on track whilst writing as well.
A well written introduction will ensure you pick up structure marks – there are 2 available in the whole essay.
For this intro include:
The different types of voting system and where they are used.
Mention that each of these have their advantages and disadvantages.

12. INTRO 1
In the United Kingdom, a variety of voting systems are used to elect representatives. At the UK level, First Past the Post (FPTP) is used to elect MPs whilst the Additional Member System (AMS) is used to elect MSPs in Scotland. Some people argue that AMS has more advantages than FPTP as it provides fairer representation however this can be debated.
INTRO 2
Across the United Kingdom, a variety of electoral systems are used to elect representatives to such posts. At the UK level, First Past the Post (FPTP) has been used for centuries to elect MPs whilst the Additional Member System (AMS) has been used to elect MSPs since the creation of the Scottish Parliament in Many argue that proportional representation systems provide much fairer representation for citizens however, there are clear advantages in the continued use of plurality systems as well.
Both introductions are appropriate to the task – encourage pupils to write in a style that suits them.

13. Building a Main Body Paragraph
Follow KAKAE+
Knowledge + Example: make a clear point and explain what it means. Provide a real-life example.
Analysis – make a comment on your knowledge; highlight what the impact is/make a comparison/link two issues together
E – Round-up what you have said, linking back to the question.

14. How to write a conclusion
Conclusions should be succinct and not just a repeat of what you have said before.
Answer the overall question – VERY IMPORTANT in a “To what extent…?” question
Tell the marker you are onto your conclusion by starting with
“In conclusion…”

15. Marking Scheme First Past the Post:
Easy to understand and use in practice which could encourage turnout
Direct link between MP and voters which increases accountability
Usually produces a majority government which is able to drive through legislation in the interest of voters
Balanced by:
Tends to produce a two-party system: parliament has been dominated by two main parties in the post-war era — Labour and Conservative
Impact of safe/marginal seats
No proportionality between votes and seats in some instances
Government is often formed which is not reflective of voter choice
Outdated electoral system as some parts of UK now have their own parliament as a result of devolution
It encourages tactical voting, as voters vote not for the candidate they most prefer, but against the candidate they most dislike

16. Marking Scheme
AMS
More opportunity to choose female or ethnic minority candidates to increase representation.
Degree of proportionality allows for a wider range of parties to be featured in the Scottish Parliament which will benefit decision-making.
Number of votes gives voters a range of representatives from different parties with whom to discuss issues.
Increased accountability of representatives to voters.
Greater proportion of voters likely to get policy implemented that they voted for.
Balanced by:
Impact of minority/majority government
Impact of a coalition government, not directly voted for by voters
Could be confusing for voters which may lead to a lower than normal turnout