Modern Studies Exam Advice Booklet

T H E GLASGOW ACADEMY

Welcome to

STANDARD GRADE MODERN STUDIES

STANDARD GRADE MODERN STUDIES The course is completed through the study of four Syllabus Areas; Syllabus Area [SA] 1: Living in a Democracy • Political parties and their policies. • Citizenship and electoral systems. • Pressure groups, trade unions, local government. In this part of the syllabus you should know: • • • • • •

How candidates are chosen for election Ways in which people can take part in politics in the UK How elections work in Scotland and the UK How representatives work for their constituents at Westminster, the Scottish Parliament, and on Local Councils Pressure Groups in the UK Trade Unions in the UK

Remember: Questions about Politics in Scotland could be based on the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the Westminster Parliament in London, or local councils in Scotland.

Area 2: Changing Society • The Welfare State. • The needs and problems of the elderly, unemployed and minorities in the Britain. In this part of the syllabus you should know: • • • •

• • •

Health needs of the elderly Housing needs of the elderly The needs of the unemployed: jobs, money Inequality between different elderly people because of wealth, health and housing Inequality between families New technology and its impact on jobs The role of individuals, families, government and voluntary organisations in meeting the needs of people such as the elderly, unemployed and those on low incomes

2

Area 3: Ideologies – China • Communist Ideology, Chinese political system and recent changes. • Social and Economic inequalities between rural and urban areas. • Political rights and participation, human rights violations and punishments.

In this part of the syllabus you should know: • How China is governed • The role of the CPC in Chinese politics • How the Chinese economy is changing • The effects of the economic changes upon the government • Human rights in China • The extent of participation in politics

Area 4: International Relations • United Nations, NATO and the European Union. • Methods and tactics used to deal with international events and conflicts. • Problems of developing countries and International aid solutions. In this part of the syllabus you should know: • Different types of aid and their usefulness • The role of UN agencies • Why countries form alliances • The alliances Britain is involved in and how they effect us • How the UN, EU and NATO work • The role of the UN, EU and NATO on the world stage

3

MODERN STUDIES CONCEPTS There are 7 concepts in Standard Grade Modern Studies. It is important that you know and understand the meaning of all of them. CONCEPT NEED

SENTENCE USING CONCEPT

MEANING

EQUALITY

RIGHTS + RESPONSIBILITIES

IDEOLOGY

Osama Bin Laden opposes the ideology of the USA

PARTICIPATION

REPRESENTATION

POWER

When someone, or a group, has strength or influence greater than others have.

4

SYLLABUS AREA

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (KU) QUESTIONS What you have learned throughout the two-year course will be tested by these questions. KU questions are answered using only the information stored in your head. You must show the marker what you know and understand about the question asked. To do this you need to ensure that you write in as detailed a manner as you can throughout your two years as well as in the exam. It is very important that you do not write too much for an answer as this means that you will not have time to finish the paper. How do you make sure you get the balance right? The answer is basic arithmetic: 1 point + 1 explanation and example = 2 marks So for a 6 mark question you will need three points and three explanations plus examples. Your explanation should always link back to the question and make your point directly answer the question. If you do this fully, the examiner should never be left thinking “so what?”. Only if you are really uncertain about one of your points and expansion should you add in an extra one ‘just in case’. In short: Remember to P.E.E (Point, Explain, Example)

Worked Example: Credit question from the 2005 exam which asks you to “Choose either Local Councillors or MSPs or MPs. Describe, in detail, the ways in which the type of representatives you have chosen works on behalf of the people they represent.” (KU 6 marks). Notice in the question some words appear in bold – this is done to make sure you notice them. It is really important to follow the instructions you are given. The word or tells you that you must choose one of the three representatives and write three points about them, not one point for each of the representatives.

A candidate chooses to write about MSPs and writes: “MSPs represent their constituents in many ways both inside and outside the Scottish Parliament. One way MSPs can do this is by taking part in a debate.” While the point made is correct, the candidate would be lucky to receive one mark at this stage in a Credit level paper because it lacks detail. To improve on the quality of this answer and guarantee a full mark, the answer would continue …

5

“such as the recent debates on the issue of banning smoking in public places. (1 mark) The candidate then needs to make this point answer the question. Currently the answer implies that an MSP would do this just for fun!

During the debate MSPs, like our MSP Bristow Muldoon, would contribute their points of view so that people from our constituency (Livingston) would be represented in the Scottish Parliament.” (1 mark) So far our candidate has achieved two marks. They must make two similarly detailed, relevant points in order to secure full marks. “MSPs also work on behalf of the people they represent by asking questions during First Minister’s Questions. (1 mark) This is held once a week and gives MSPs a chance to ask First Minister Jack McConnell (now Alex Salmond) a question directly. An important issue like closing the A&E Department at a local hospital would be an example of an issue that constituents would want their MSP to ask about.” (1 mark) This answer is still not finished and a third method now needs to be added. Examples such as holding a surgery, attending a local function in the constituency, replying to letters and e-mails sent in by constituents, being a member of a committee such as Transport or Education, or any other point that shows how an MSP can represent constituents. Remember to include an example that is related to either local councillors, MSPs or MPs according to which one you have chosen to write about. Also, insure that you are writing about the work specifically asked in the question. Some papers ask for constituency work only or parliamentary work only. You achieve no marks if you do not write about the correct one.

ENQUIRY SKILLS (ES) QUESTIONS Most Enquiry Skills questions are based on the sources provided in the question. They will probably be charts, tables, graphs or statements you have never seen before.

6

You must select information from the source without simply copying the information straight from the source as this will not gain you any marks. You also need to provide an explanation for the evidence you select. Again, the two mark rule applies so check the number of marks available and write in paragraphs just as in the KU questions. Be sure to use all the sources you are given and name them by including phrases like “according to Source 2”. It is also good practice to provide a concluding sentence. Useful phrases are: • • •

This clearly shows… This proves… I can therefore conclude…

There are three types of Evaluating ES questions and you should not include any KU material for any of them.

Conclusion type questions These questions can be quite tricky to master. They will provide you with information and ask you to interpret it and draw your own conclusions, ie put the figures into words. A response to the question to the left below might read:

“One conclusion is that hotels and restaurants have the highest paid workers. (1 mark for conclusion) 22% of hotel and restaurant workers earn more than £10 per hour while only 5% of electricity/gas and water supplies earn more than £10 per hour.” (1 mark for evidence to support) For a further two marks you need to use another piece of information from the source to write a different conclusion.

“Another conclusion is that people working in retail trade are poorly paid. (1 mark)

According to the source, 67% of people working in retail earn less than £6 per hour compared to 33% for those who work in electricity/gas and water supplies.” (1 mark) Be sure to notice exactly what it is you are expected to draw a conclusion on. Do not draw bland conclusions - ‘the rate is increasing’. That will be

7

obvious and worth no marks at credit. Instead state rate of increase - rapidly, slowly, etc.

Selective in the use of facts/Exaggeration At Credit level these questions will provide you with three sources of information: • One will support the issue discussed (usually) • One will oppose the issue discussed (usually) • One will be figures and graphs relating to the issue discussed. Underneath there will be a viewpoint of a third party. You will be asked to assess to what extent you think the person is being selective in their use of facts. These questions are too long to give an example of here (they take up two sides of A4 paper!), but in answering them you should always do the following:

1. Begin by make a judgement as to how selective in the use of facts the person is being. This is credit level so do not say to an extent or to a certain extent as you may as well not bother writing it down. You will lose 2 marks if you do not make a judgement. 2. Quote from all the sources provided. Quotes and evidence make your arguments stronger. You will lose 2 marks if you do not use all sources. 3. Give a balanced argument that looks at both sides. You will lose two marks if you do not consider arguments contrary to your decision. 4. Write your essay as a structured (ie, paragraphed) response. You may lose 2 marks if your structure is jumbled or not paragraphed. At General level these questions will provide you with two sources and someone’s opinion on the issue. You will be asked to give two reasons why the person could be accused of exaggeration. For example: Some of Greenpeace’s income comes in the form of donations from supporters. Total income is about £6 million per year. Greenpeace tries to use powerful and legal methods of protest; however, on some occasions members have felt the need to break the law to draw attention to important issues.

Shelter Scotland uses only peaceful campaign methods. Its members would never break the law to get things changed. Some of Shelter Scotland’s income comes from donations form supporters and some from government grants. The total income of the organisation is about £2 million per year.

All pressure groups are the same

8

- view of Gina Curtis

Using Sources 1 and 2 above, give two reasons why Gina Curtis could be accused of exaggeration. Your answer must be based entirely upon the sources above In order to fully answer this question you must: • • • •

Understand that in Modern Studies exaggeration means ‘lie’. Include the exaggeration (lie) in the opening sentence of your answer. Write in structured paragraphs Give the number of example asked for and support with evidence from the source.

A good response would be:

Gina Curtis is exaggerating when she says “All pressure groups are the same.” The sources clearly show that in terms of income Greenpeace and Shelter are very different. (1 mark) Source 1 shows that Greenpeace has an income of about £6 million per year, whereas, according to source 2 Shelter has an annual income of about £2 million per year. (1 mark) this is a massive £4 million difference. The two different pressure groups use very different methods of campaigning which again shows that Gina Curtis is exaggerating when she says all pressure groups are the same. (1 mark) Source 1 tells us that Greenpeace occasionally breaks the law to draw attention to important issues. On the other hand source 2 clearly states that Shelter would never break the law. (1 mark)

Option Choice Question These questions will ask you to make an informed, supported decision as to which option of two is best for a group of people, community, etc. They will almost always give you background information, some information about both options and figures/statistics. The sources given are very detailed and so, therefore, must your answer be. Don’t be fooled by the example below, it is anything but typical – not least because it does not take up two pages of A4! To fully answer these questions you must: • Clearly state your choice in the opening sentence. The only ‘wrong’ answer is an unsupported one, both sides will have their pros and cons.

9

•

Use all sources by linking your choices to the background information given • Say why you have rejected the other option. You will lose 2 marks otherwise. Sometimes the question will be out of 8 and 2 and explicitly state that you have to do this, other times it will be out of 10 which implies you have to do this. Make sure you do throughout and give a different reason at the end to safeguard the points. • Start a new paragraph for each point. Try to have as many points in favour of your candidate than you do against the other one. An example: Information about Glenmarsh Textile Factory Source 1 Glenmarsh textile factory has lost orders from all over the world. The management wants to cut hours and pay, and to introduce retraining schemes for the workers. The Shop Steward will also have to discuss safety concerns after an accident at the factory and a complaint by two female workers who have been treated unfairly. Sheila Cameron Source 2 Sheila is 55 years old and has worked at Glenmarsh for 12 years. In 1999 she completed a Health and Safety course at union headquarters. She wants to protect the jobs and pay of the workers. In previous disputes she has been a good negotiator. She is popular with the workers.

Davie Paterson Source 3 Davie Paterson is regarded as an expert in dealing with sex discrimination cases. He also has experience of retraining schemes and spoke to the TUC conference about ways to introduce these to companies. He is 54 years old and has worked at Glenmarsh for 10 years.

Using only the information in sources 1, 2 and 3 above, explain which person would be better choice as Shop Steward for the workers at Glenmarsh Textiles. Give two reasons for your choice. You must link the information on Source 1 to the person you have chosen.

I would choose Davie Paterson. Source 3 states that he “is regarded as an expert in dealing with sex discrimination cases.” This proves that he would be good at representing both men and women in the workplace. (1 mark) This is important because in source 1 it tells us that two female workers have been treated unfairly and need representation. (1 mark) Sheila does not have this experience. (point) Another reason I chose Davie is that source 2 states that, “he also has experience of retraining schemes and spoke to the TUC about ways to introduce these to companies.” This proves that he would

10

be good because workers feel that they could talk to someone with experience of retraining. (1 mark) this is important because in Source 1 it states that the management want to introduce retraining schemes for workers to combat lost orders. (1 mark) According to source 1, Sheila has a health and Safety course and whilst this is useful in a factory it is not what the workers need most right now. (1 mark)

Support and Oppose As the name suggests these questions will provide you with a source of information – usually a table or graph. A viewpoint will be given underneath the information and you will be expected to support and oppose that viewpoint. For example: Proportion of workers who are trade union members (Great Britain 1995-2005) Number of Union members (1000s) All employment Gender Male Female Type of work Manual Non-manual Full or part-time work Full-time Part-time Employment sector Manufacturing Services

1995 8835 33.9%

2000 7309 28.8%

2005 7321 27%

44% 32%

35% 30%

30% 29%

42% 35%

33% 32%

28% 30%

43% 22%

36% 21%

33% 23%

44% 37%

34% 33%

28% 31%

Trade Unions have become more gender equal since 1995. Unions are now strongest in manual work and the manufacturing sector despite recent changes in British industry. View of Frances Naismith A good answer to this question will quote the statement that is right and then quote the evidence to support. It will then do the same for the incorrect one.

Frances Naismith is correct to say that, “trade unions have become more gender equal since 1995.” (1 mark) The source shows that the number of male workers in trade unions has dropped from 44% in 1995 to 30% in 2005. whereas the number of women has dropped

11

from 32% to 29% in the same period. (1 mark) Clearly the numbers are closer than they have ever been. However, Frances Naismith is wrong to say that, “unions are now stronger in manual work and the manufacturing sector” as the evidence does not support this. (1 mark) In 2005 the proportion of workers in a trade union in the manufacturing service was 28% compared to 31% for services. (1mark) Clearly this is not “strongest”. Differences (General Level) This is the General level version support and oppose. Instead of being asked to find a for and against statement you will be provided with two sources and asked to write about the differences between them. For example: Elections which provide proportional results are not what is important to Scots. They want to know that they have a strong stable government that can pass its laws smoothly.

Scotland is a fair country and as a result the people want fair elections that return representatives proportionately, This would result in hung parliaments, but the Scots like knowing laws are being passed that suit everyone, not just the party in power.

Sources 1 and 2 give different views about Scottish views on PR voting systems. Write down two of the differences between these views. You must use only information from the sources above. To answer this question fully you must state the difference of opinion and then provide the evidence to support your assertion. Please ensure that you are writing about related differences and not just randomly writing down opinions! A good answer would be:

The two sources disagree on how proportional Scots want their election results to be. (1 mark) Source 1 says proportionality is “not what is important”, whereas Source 2 says they want “fair elections that return representatives proportionately”. (1 mark) The two sources further disagree on who Scots want to decide upon and pass their laws. (1 mark) Source 1 says they want a “strong stable government that can pass its laws”, whereas Source

12

2 says Scots like consensus politics and laws that are passed to “suit everyone, not just the party in power.” (1 mark) In all types of ES questions you must include parts of the source in a complete answer to gain full marks. Try and quote directly from the information and/or statistics you are given in the source(s). Take care to write any figures as they are given, ie percentages (%) or US dollars ($) or UK pounds(£) and be wary of table headings that tell you the figures are written in thousands or millions. The other type of ES question deals with investigating. There will be one in each exam paper. They will be obvious because they are marked with the symbol below. You are always given a topic to write on, for example, The European Union (EU) in the 21st century was a topic given in the 2005 Credit paper. Your responses must relate to the topic you are given. You will be asked to plan an investigation using a Hypothesis, Aims and/or Headings and Methods of Enquiry.

WHAT IS AN HYPOTHESIS? A hypothesis a statement about what you expect to find and, during the research process, you will prove whether it is true or false. DO NOT ever write a hypothesis in the form of a question. If you were carrying out an investigation into the problems faced by single parents in finding a suitable job:

“Lack of child care facilities is a major problem for single parents, looking for a job” is a relevant hypothesis ”Do single parents face problems finding a suitable job?” is not an acceptable hypothesis

Clearly you need to include some KU in this part of the exam in order to formulate a good hypothesis. Hypothesis only appears in the Credit level paper and so Credit level thinking is required. That means your hypothesis:

13

 needs to be provable through research  needs to include one of the Modern Studies concepts  needs to be exemplified and demonstrate your maturity in thought.

What is an Aim or Heading? Aims or headings will help you to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Be careful to note whether the questions asks you for either of these, or whether it asks you for a specific type. If you were carrying out an investigation into the problems faced by single parents in finding a suitable job:

AIMS 1. “To find out what child care facilities are available in my local area.” “To find out the cost of child care facilities.” are two relevant aims. HEADINGS “Child Care Facilities available in my local area”

“The Cost of Child Care Facilities” are two relevant headings.

What are Methods of Enquiry? Put simply, they are ways of finding out information. In investigating questions you will be given or required to choose a relevant method of enquiry and asked to explain exactly how you would use this to help you with your investigation. You will probably be asked to continue by explaining the advantages and/or disadvantages of your chosen (or given) method of enquiry.

14

You will also need to know the good and bad points of using your chosen method of enquiry.

METHOD OF ENQUIRY CD-ROM

ADVANTAGES

DVD

INTERNET

INTERVIEW

LETTER 15

DISADVANTAGES

LIBRARY

MSN (OR SIMILAR INTERVIEW)

OBSERVATION DURING VISIT OR INTERVIEW

QUESTIONNAIRE

SURVEY

16

Worked Example - Women and politics

The Representation of Women in Politics

a) State a relevant hypothesis for your investigation. 1 mark for suitable hypothesis and 1 mark for inclusion of concept/exemplification.

The Scottish Parliament is more representative of the percentage of women in the population than the House of Commons. b) Give two relevant aims or headings to help prove or disprove your hypothesis. • •

To find out what percentage of MSPs and MPs are female. To find out why women are more likely to be elected to the Scottish Parliament than the House of Commons.

c) You decide to conduct an interview with an MSP to help you research your aims. Describe how you would organise such an interview.

I would first write a letter to a local female MSP asking if they would be willing to be interviewed for my investigation. (1 mark) If they were happy to be interviewed I would then arrange a time and a place to conduct the interview. (1 mark) At this point I would write down the questions that I would ask during the interview. (1 mark) The MSP may have asked to see the questions in advance, so if necessary I would email or post a copy of these to her. (1 mark) I would need to ask to be allowed time out of school if the interview was during the week. I would also have to investigate

17

how to get to their office. (1 mark) I would call the day before the interview in order to check that it was still convenient. I would then ensure that that I arrived in plenty of time for my appointment. (1 mark)

More marks have been awarded than are available for this question. However, it is good practice to always write in this level of detail for these questions to ensure marks. d) You also decide to write a letter to your MP in order to find out why they think there are fewer female MP’s, than female MSPs. Describe, in detail, the advantages, and disadvantages, of using this method for your investigation.

A letter would be a good method for my investigation because I could ask specific questions that would help me to answer my aims. (1 mark) Writing a letter is also a very cheap method of enquiry and so I would be able to send off letters to several MPs in order to get a range of answers. (1 mark) However, writing a letter also has disadvantages. Some people do not respond to letters and so I might end up not receiving any information for my investigation. (1 mark) Letters can also be timeconsuming and there may be a time delay between sending my letter off and receiving a reply. A letter also does not let me write, or ask, any follow-up questions to the answers that I may receive. (1 mark)

General Paper – 1 hour 30 minutes • Allow about 20 minutes to complete each Syllabus Area. • Most questions are worth four marks each and ask for two developed points. Be sure to include specific examples that fit the question you are asked. Credit Paper – 2 hours • You must use your time wisely in this paper. Allow 30 minutes for each Syllabus Area.

18

•

There will be a 10-mark ES question (split 8 + 2) at the end of the exam so make sure you leave enough time for this last question.

19