To what extent

AQA: Examine reasons for and against a point of view and use analysis and evidence to form a judgement concerning the degree to which it is valid.

You must:

• Examine reasons for and against the proposition
• Use analysis and evidence
• Form a judgement about the degree of validity
• The conclusion may be tentative, indicating what the judgement depends on
• Weigh up the various arguments
• Include a final judgement (which may be qualified)

Example: “To what extent do you agree that a fall in savings is beneficial for the UK economy?”

• Consider when it might be beneficial (e.g. negative output gap)
• Consider when it might not be (e.g. positive output gap, low investment)
• Weigh up; conclude with degree of agreement

Justify

AQA: Give reasons for the validity of a view or action, supported by analysis and evidence. Consider alternative views and explain why they should be rejected.

You must:

• Give reasons for your stated view or recommendation
• Support with analysis and evidence
• Consider alternative views and explain why they should be rejected
• Present the case against as well as the case for
• Reach a supported conclusion or recommendation

Example: “Would you recommend that the government cuts spending? Justify your recommendation.”

• Present case for cutting
• Present case against
• Analyse and evaluate
• Clearly state recommendation with full support

Levels of response

Both use levels of response mark schemes. Top levels require:

• Sound, focused analysis
• Well-supported evaluation
• Sound knowledge and understanding
• Good application to context
• Clear, logical chains of reasoning
• Supported evaluation throughout and in the conclusion

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Based on AQA A-level Economics command word resource. Similar definitions apply across AQA A-level subjects. OxfordAQA International A-levels use similar approaches.

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