Learning Objectives
Understand the official structure and weighting of Component 1, recognise the purpose of each question and use an effective time-management routine.
What Component 1 Assesses
Component 1 assesses AO1: research, analysis and evaluation. Every question requires you to work with information supplied in the paper. The topic may be unfamiliar, but the skills are predictable. You must show that you can understand what a source says, examine how knowledge was produced, judge arguments and use evidence to support a reasoned decision.
Cambridge does not award marks simply because a student knows many facts about the topic. Extra knowledge can occasionally provide a relevant example, especially in Question 4, but it cannot replace careful use of the supplied sources.
The Four-Question Structure
Question 1 — 18 Marks
Question 1 is structured into several parts and is based on more than one source. It tests accurate retrieval, understanding of key concepts, analysis of perspectives and a supported judgement about an aspect of the issue. The precise number and wording of sub-parts may vary.
Question 2 — 16 Marks
Question 2 has two parts. One part asks you to evaluate research or evidence described in a source. The other asks you to explain how a claim could be researched or tested. Both parts reward explanations that connect methods and evidence to the purpose of the research.
Question 3 — 16 Marks
Question 3 is an extended response comparing two arguments. You must analyse both arguments, evaluate their reasoning, evidence and language, compare them explicitly and reach a supported judgement about which is more convincing.
Question 4 — 20 Marks
Question 4 is an extended response based on all the sources. You assess possible actions, recommend one and justify your decision with evidence, reasoning and consideration of different perspectives or alternatives.
A Practical Time Plan
Cambridge sets the total time but does not prescribe how many minutes must be spent on each question. The following is a practical recommendation that can be adjusted after timed practice:
- Read and annotate the insert: about 7 minutes.
- Question 1: about 20 minutes.
- Question 2: about 18 minutes.
- Question 3: about 18 minutes.
- Question 4: about 20 minutes.
- Final checking: about 2 minutes.
This plan totals 85 minutes. Do not continue polishing a low-mark question while leaving a high-mark question unfinished. Question 4 has the greatest number of marks, so it must receive enough time for planning, comparison and a clear conclusion.
Use Marks To Judge Answer Length
The number of marks indicates the depth required. A one-mark identification usually needs one precise point. A two-mark explanation normally needs the correct idea plus an explanation linked to the example. Six- and eight-mark answers require developed points and relevant support. Sixteen- and twenty-mark answers require organised extended responses, comparison or evaluation and a reasoned judgement.
Do Not Count Lines
The printed answer space is only a guide. Quality matters more than filling every line. A focused response containing explained, relevant points can outperform a longer response that repeats the source.
A Three-Stage Exam Routine
- Read the command word and identify exactly what is being assessed.
- Select source details that are relevant to that task.
- Develop the response by explaining why the detail matters, then reach the required judgement.
This routine prevents a common error: writing everything remembered from the source without answering the exact question.
Command Words
Identify
Select and state the required information briefly. Do not add an unnecessary essay.
Describe
Give the main features or elements. When describing a perspective, explain its position, reasons, values and preferred actions rather than copying one sentence.
Explain
Show how or why. Link the point to its effect, meaning or relevance.
Evaluate
Judge strengths and weaknesses using criteria. Explain how each feature affects reliability, credibility or persuasiveness.
Assess
Consider the value, likely impact or suitability of alternatives and reach a supported judgement.
Recommend
Select an option and justify why it is preferable after considering other options and perspectives.
Planning Extended Responses
For Question 3, make a quick two-column plan showing strengths and weaknesses of both arguments. For Question 4, list the main benefits, limitations, stakeholders and likely consequences of each action before choosing. A plan of one or two minutes usually improves organisation and reduces repetition.
Simple Question 4 Plan
- Action A: rapid benefit, but expensive and may create dependence.
- Action B: long-term improvement, but requires training and infrastructure.
- Action C: empowers local people, but may have limited scale.
- Judgement: choose the option with the strongest balance of impact, feasibility and sustainability.
Common Time-Management Errors
- Reading every source repeatedly instead of annotating it once.
- Writing too much for one- or two-mark parts.
- Starting an extended response without deciding the final judgement.
- Using most of the time on Question 1 and rushing Questions 3 and 4.
- Leaving the recommendation until the final sentence without supporting it throughout.
- Spending time recalling topic facts that are not needed.
Practice Task
Create Your Personal Timing Plan
Complete one specimen or past paper under timed conditions. Record the time used for each question and the marks obtained. If one question consumed too much time without producing proportionate marks, reduce its allowance and practise writing more selective answers.
Exam Checklist
- I know the purpose and mark value of all four questions.
- I will read command words before selecting information.
- I have practised a complete paper within 85 minutes.
- I will leave enough time for both extended responses.
- I will make a brief plan before Questions 3 and 4.
Lesson Summary
- The Written Exam lasts 1 hour 25 minutes and carries 70 marks.
- All four questions are compulsory and source based.
- Question 1 is worth 18 marks, Question 2 is worth 16, Question 3 is worth 16 and Question 4 is worth 20.
- The examination assesses research, analysis and evaluation rather than memorised topic content.
- Time should be distributed according to marks and the demands of each question.
