Component 2 – Essay (AS Level) flashcards

Topic 2: Component 2 – Essay

What is the format of the 9239 Component 2 Essay?

Continuous prose of 1750–2000 words on a self-chosen global issue, worth 40 marks and externally marked. An accurate word count (excluding title, references and citations) must be stated; anything beyond 2000 words is not marked.

How must the essay title be framed?

As a single question, not a statement or a topic area, creating genuine opportunities for globally contrasting perspectives. A question on an exclusively local or national issue is unlikely to be appropriate.

What must the essay do with its sources, beyond citing them?

Assess and justify why those sources were chosen: for example an authoritative primary source, a scholarly analysis, or a source representing one of the perspectives. Being explicit about a source's standpoint shows how much weight it can carry.

What does AO1 reward in the Essay?

Analysing the question, synthesising arguments into contrasting perspectives, selecting and justifying sources, and comparing and evaluating the perspectives.

What does AO2 reward in the Essay?

Reflecting on how alternative perspectives affect your own view, and suggesting further relevant research.

What does AO3 reward in the Essay?

A clear, structured essay with effective referencing. Quotations must be fully referenced and a list of sources is required; referencing accuracy is assessed.

What makes two perspectives "globally contrasting" rather than two versions of one view?

They come from genuinely different standpoints and disagree on which values and evidence matter most, not just on how strongly to hold the same position.

How should the Essay end?

With a personal, supported conclusion on the question. An essay that ends by summarising the perspectives already given has not completed the task.

How many perspectives can a 2000-word essay develop properly?

Two or three, each developed with real evidence. Four or five sketched briefly will not reach the depth the marks reward.

What may and may not a teacher do for the Essay?

A teacher may lead whole-class background research and support planning, citation and word-count discipline. Each candidate devises their own question. The teacher must not give detailed advice on improving a draft to meet the mark scheme, or correct or edit drafts.