Learning Objectives
Answer short retrieval and concept questions accurately and produce a developed description of a source’s perspective using relevant source material.
What Question 1 Tests
Question 1 is a structured question based on several sources. It moves from short, precise tasks to more developed analysis. The exact sub-parts can vary, so students should prepare for the underlying skills rather than memorise one fixed sequence.
Question 1 can test accurate retrieval, recognition of a concept such as a generalisation, explanation of why the concept applies, description of a perspective and analysis of information or ideas.
Retrieving Information Accurately
When a question says “According to Source X”, use only that source. Locate the exact detail and write it briefly. Do not replace the source with general knowledge or explain information that was not requested.
Original Example
Source: A report states that 37 per cent of households reduced electricity use during the campaign. Question: According to the report, what proportion of households reduced electricity use? Answer: 37 per cent.
Identifying A Generalisation
If asked to identify an example, quote or paraphrase one exact statement. Do not give a definition instead of an example. Then, if a later part asks for explanation, show how the statement makes an unjustifiably broad claim.
Two-Step Response
- Identify the broad statement.
- Explain the mismatch between the scope of the statement and the limited evidence.
Original Example
Statement: “Teenagers do not care about local politics.” Explanation: This treats all teenagers as having the same attitude, but no evidence is provided about the whole teenage population and attitudes are likely to vary.
Describing A Perspective
A high-quality description should reconstruct the source’s viewpoint. It should not become an evaluation of whether the source is correct. Focus on what the writer believes and why.
Five Elements Of A Perspective
- Position: What does the source believe about the issue?
- Cause: What does it think creates the problem?
- Consequence: What effects does it emphasise?
- Value: What principle or priority matters to it?
- Action: What does it want people or authorities to do?
Not every source contains all five elements. Use the elements that are actually present and support them with details from the source.
From Quotation To Analysis
Weak Approach
“The organisation says public transport is important.” This is too general and does not develop the perspective.
Improved Approach
The organisation views affordable public transport as a social right. It argues that high fares exclude low-income workers from employment and education. Its perspective values equality and government responsibility, so it supports public subsidies rather than leaving transport entirely to private companies.
Use A Range Of Elements
For a developed perspective answer, do not repeat the same idea in different words. Select distinct elements such as the source’s diagnosis of the problem, its values, the groups it is concerned about and the action it recommends.
Frequent, relevant reference to the source is stronger than unsupported interpretation. Short paraphrases usually integrate more smoothly than long quotations.
Distinguish Perspective From Topic
The topic may be plastic pollution, but a perspective is a particular position on plastic pollution. “Plastic pollution affects oceans” is information. “Manufacturers should pay for collection because they profit from disposable packaging” is part of a perspective because it includes responsibility, reasoning and a preferred action.
Identifying Information, Ideas And Arguments
Information includes facts, statistics, descriptions and examples. An idea is a broader concept or interpretation. An argument connects a main claim to reasons and evidence. In Question 1, read the wording carefully so you know whether to retrieve information, explain an idea or analyse an argument.
Original Mini-Source
A teachers’ association argues that homework should be reduced. It claims that long assignments increase stress and disadvantage pupils who lack quiet study space. It recommends short tasks completed partly in school.
Possible Analysis
- Main position: homework should be reduced.
- Reason: long assignments increase stress.
- Equity concern: pupils have unequal home study conditions.
- Value: student wellbeing and fairness.
- Action: use shorter tasks with some school-based completion.
How To Organise A Six-Mark Perspective Answer
- Open with one sentence stating the overall position.
- Develop two or three distinct elements of the perspective.
- Support each element with relevant source material.
- Link the elements so the response reads as one coherent viewpoint.
Avoid writing an introduction about the general topic. Begin directly with the source’s perspective.
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong source.
- Copying a sentence without showing understanding.
- Defining a term when the question asks for an example.
- Describing only one element of a perspective.
- Evaluating the source when the task asks only for description.
- Adding invented motives that are not supported by the source.
- Repeating the same idea to make the answer longer.
Practice Task
Original Practice Source
A youth employment charity states that unpaid internships prevent talented young people from poorer families entering competitive careers. It believes employers benefit from free labour while applicants carry travel and living costs. It asks the government to require at least the legal minimum wage for internships.
Describe the charity’s perspective. Include its view of the issue, its explanation, values and preferred action.
Response Features
A strong response would explain that the charity sees unpaid internships as unequal access to careers, identifies the transfer of costs from employers to young applicants, values fairness and social mobility and supports a legal wage requirement.
Exam Checklist
- I answer retrieval questions briefly and accurately.
- I can identify and explain a generalisation.
- I can state the overall position of a perspective.
- I develop more than one element of the perspective.
- I use source details without copying large sections.
Lesson Summary
- Question 1 combines short precise responses with developed analysis.
- Use only the named source when the question directs you to one.
- Identify an example before explaining why it fits a concept.
- A perspective includes a position, reasoning, values, consequences and preferred actions.
- Develop several distinct elements and support them with source details.
