Pearson Edexcel A and AS level Politics - Guidance for the Source Based Questions on the A Level Paper 9PLO/01 and 9PLO/02

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aria

Guidance for candidates preparing for Edexcel A and AS level Politics Source Based Questions on the A Level Paper 9PLO/01 and 9PLO/02. It explains how sources may be text, data, or mixed formats, accessible and focused on contested political topics, and how candidates should use the question and source together. The document outlines good practice for highlighting relevant points, unpacking terms, grounding analysis in the presented material, and evaluating both sides while avoiding excessive copying or off-topic discussion.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Key facts about sources

Good Practice to Adopt

What to avoid when answering the Source question

Rubric demands and commands for Source questions

Pearson Edexcel A and AS level Politics Guidance for the Source Based Questions on the A Level Paper 9PLO/01 and 9PLO/02 Sources and the questions relating to them can be very different so there is no ONE universal or ONLY way of answering Source based questions on the new A level Politics paper. This guidance seeks to point out good practice and to fully illustrate how candidates can gain confidence as they approach such questions. Furthermore the scope and remit of the Source does differ significantly from that of the legacy specification. Key facts about sources 􀂾 On 9PLO1 and 9PLO2 the source can be based on any section or sections of the specification. 􀂾 The Source can be text or data (such as graphs tables and charts) . 􀂾 It may be a combination of text and data. 􀂾 The Source will be accessible and make key points surrounding a contested political topic. 􀂾 The Source may be an extract taken from the contemporary political environment. It will be adapted to suit the contested debate and thus edited to provide a suitable vehicle for assessment. 􀂾 It may be taken from the news media, academic texts, political publications and the internet from relevant websites. It may also be original material produced by the Principal Examiner. 􀂾 It will be most likely that candidates will not have seen the Source (extract or data) before. However it will be accessible and the topic ~~is~~ will be clear. 􀂾 The topic on the Source will have a short introduction – to put the Source in context. It is not the aim to make this introduction key or pivotal to the candidates’ response. ~~􀂾 ~~ Politics papers use sources so candidates can balance evidence and arguments to reach justified conclusions. We are not concerned with the significance of the authors or the circumstances in which a document was written (as some History papers sometimes are) . Where a source has come from or why it was produced is not part of the Politics agenda. 􀂾 Overall the Source ~~is~~ acts as a ‘pointer’ or ‘signpost’ – it draws to candidates’ attention the issues which need to be expanded on (AO1) analysed (AO2) and then a verdict on their merit has to be made (AO3) . Good Practice to Adopt 􀀹 The first thing a candidate needs to do is to look at the question which follows the source and the main issue on which it focuses. 􀀹 Then in the source highlight or underline or use ticks and crosses to recognise points which do ordo not support the proposition in the question and try to ensure that all of these are commented on in the answer. 􀀹 Make sure that each point raised in the Source has depth added in terms of knowledge and understanding so if the source refers to Parliament’s scrutiny of the executive an answer could‘unpack’ this term and make points about matters such as question time, or the work of select committees or the purpose of adjournment debates which (depending on the requirements of the question) can then be compared and contrasted and finally a verdict or judgement is reached on the issue. 􀀹 When developing analysis and reaching conclusions candidates must ensure that it is based on the (material) presented in the Source. As indicated above, it is desirable to explain a key term from the source such as scrutiny but it would be a mistake to start introducing other topics not explicitly mentioned in the source. What to avoid when answering the Source question o Avoid writing out a large scale repeat of the Source. Key extracts and short quotes are fine but large scale copying out of the material presented is not advised. o Avoid simply developing AO1 and AO2 and not presenting what side the candidate feels is the strongest and most persuasive argument. The source is a contested view – we expect the candidate to come down on one side and importantly say why one side is better and one inferior. o Candidates should come down on one side or the other of ~~in~~ the contested topic of the Source – but due consideration

FAQs

What kinds of sources can appear in 9PLO1 and 9PLO2?

Sources can be text, data such as graphs/tables/charts, or a combination of both. They are accessible and present key points about a contested political topic.

How should candidates respond to the command to evaluate the view using the source?

Use the source as the primary guide: compare differing opinions, debate both sides in a balanced way, and analyse and evaluate only what is presented in the source while making a justified judgement.

What common mistakes should candidates avoid?

Avoid repeating large parts of the source, avoid developing AO1/AO2 without clearly stating which side is strongest, avoid drifting away from the source concerns, and ensure the alternative viewpoint is considered rather than dismissed.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aria