Write Like A Political Scientist

Writing Frames

• 30-Mark Source Questions (Paper 1 - Questions 1a or 1b / Paper 2 - Questions 1a or 1b):

• 30-Mark Essay Questions (Paper 1 - Questions 2a or 2b / Paper 2 - Questions 2a or 2b / Paper 3 - Questions 3a or 3b or 3c):

• 24-Mark Political Ideas Questions (Paper 1 - Questions 3a or 3b / Paper 2 - Questions 3a or 3b):

• 12-Mark Comparative Questions (Paper 3 - Questions 1a or 1b):

• 12-Mark Comparative Theory Questions (Paper 3 - Question 2):

Evaluative Phrases

• “This is a strong argument because...”
• “This is a weak argument because…”
• “This claim can be effectively countered by…”
• “This claim can be countered, but rather poorly, by…”
• “This point stands up to scrutiny as…”
• “This point fails to stand up to scrutiny as…”
• “The underlying assumption behind this reason is a convincing one…”
• “The underlying assumption behind this reason is doubtful…”
• “The two assertions are equally balanced…”
• “It is difficult to choose between the evidence here…”