Types of questions - essays

Question 1

[Assertion] do you agree?

Answer 1

• Articulate exactly what is meant by the assertion
• Set assertion in context, exploring whose view it is - this allows for more realistic analysis and other perspectives to be explored
• Simply put forward arguments and explanations for and against
• But also see what other meanings can be placed o the assertion and consider more realistic assertions or qualifications - look at it laterally
• Answer should express some personal opinion and be supported by factual information as well as opinions expressed by others

Question 2

What are the alternatives to [present position]?

Answer 2

• Challenge the question
• Explore why is the position what it is? Why are alternatives being considered? Why would some be more successful than others?
• Looking at what political, social, economic and other factors that led to the current position will help understand why it is there and why it must or mustn’t change.
• Most importantly - what role is the policy or situation attempting to fulfil and how successfully is that happening or can that happen

Question 3

What are the arguments for and against [idea]?

Answer 3

• Provide an evaluation (not a description) of the merits of each argument before forming a definite conclusion
• Important to plan in even more detail than you normally would - to avoid descriptions
• Show an appreciation of which individuals and groups support each side, how they have evolved and are likely to evolve
• Try also questioning the validity of the overall argument instead trying to give alternatives

Question 4

[Statement]. Is this a good idea?

Answer 4

• What does the statement mean and what are the implications of this idea (clear or obscure)
• Balanced argument before conclusion
• Is the idea still a good idea or is it a good idea but further change would be even better
• Is it a good idea in theory AND in practice?
• Where possible consider the experience of others and other countries

Question 5

[Two opposing viewpoints]. Is either of these views correct?

Answer 5

• Can be interesting opportunity to examine some unusual perspectives
• Starting point - where have both viewpoints come from, whose opinion do they represent and what did they arise in relation to?
• Balanced argument but lean towards one
• Include a third viewpoint as an alternative and evaluate it in relation to the other two viewpoints
• Whose view acc matters, the majority or minority. Therefore how valid is the overall debate and how relevant are the views that have been espoused

Question 6

What do you think should be done about [topic]?

Answer 6

• Looking for your ideas, useful for those who enjoy creative thinking and can develop unique ideas
• Set the topic into context and explain the need for action
• Put forward mainstream ideas first and then explore personal viewpoint
• Don`t be afraid of unusual ideas just make sure to back them up
• Some of the best evidence - personal past experiences, other countries
• Therefore you can explore the difference between the practical and theoretical affects of an issue

Question 7

Has [policy] been successful with respect to its aims?

Answer 7

• Quite broad - you can question and discuss the success of the policy but also the validity of the original aims
• Important to define clearly what the aims of the policy were before embarking on it`s evaluation
• Apart from simply evaluating and concluding also explore alternatives and put them into context - look at the practicality of the policy or alternative
• May be a difference between those aims made public and those that are actually being pursued
• May be interesting to assess whether it succeeded in achieving aims it did not attend to and whether that means it was an overall success or not

Question 8

Which is more important [idea] or [idea]?

Answer 8

• Make it clear who or what is the judge of importance? And - what the aim of the idea is?
• Look at them on an one idea, and then another idea basis (like with history) - to avoid confusion and repetition
• Likely conclusion - both valid to some extent, but them relate them to the overall aim to decide which one to support
• Feel free to put through an alternative instead
• Consider the extent to which the two ideas can co-exist and whether there is any potential to combine both or at least retain the advantages of both

Question 9

[idea] Discuss.

Answer 9

• Very Broad
• Define what is meant by the idea
• What do YOU mean by it? What the writer or other people may mean by it?
• If there is a discrepancy between the above two explore how this has arisen and what the consequences are
• Evaluate pros and cons - obviously
• Look at other perspectives or ideas that are complementary to the idea or entirely different
• Demonstrate creativity do not repeat the obvious