M.A. Political Science – Foundation & Exam Strategy
Topic: Marking Scheme
1. Simple Explanation
A marking scheme is a detailed rubric that tells you exactly how many marks each part of a question or section is worth, what the examiners are looking for, and how they will score your answer. Think of it as a “road map” that lets you know:
- What parts of the answer carry the most weight?
- Which arguments or facts will earn you the highest marks?
- How to structure your response to hit every criterion.
Using the marking scheme early in your revision helps you focus on the high‑value material and design an exam strategy that maximises your score.
2. Key Points
| # | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Total Marks & Weighting | Total marks for the paper, marks per section (e.g., MCQ, Short Answer, Essay). | Prioritise sections that give the biggest marks. |
| 2. Question Types | Multiple‑choice, short answer, long essay, case study, policy brief, etc. | Different types require different preparation (listening, recall, synthesis). |
| 3. Scoring Rubric | Breakdown of marks for each sub‑question or criterion (e.g., 1 mark for correct answer, 2 marks for explanation, 1 mark for evidence). | Shows how depth, accuracy, and relevance are weighted. |
| 4. Marking Criteria | Accuracy, relevance, analytical depth, critical thinking, use of evidence, clarity, structure. | Helps you avoid common pitfalls (e.g., superficial answers). |
| 5. Band Marks | Usually “A‑band” (high marks) vs. “B‑band” (moderate) vs. “C‑band” (basic). | Gives you a target to aim for in each section. |
| 6. Time Allocation | Suggested minutes per question/section. | Enables you to plan pacing during the exam. |
| 7. Exemplar Answers | Sample high‑scoring responses (often provided in past papers). | Shows how the rubric is applied in practice. |
| 8. Examiner Notes | Comments on common errors, marks awarded for partial credit. | Avoids repeating mistakes. |
3. Worked Example
Below is a mock marking scheme for a 300‑mark MA Political Science exam. Use this to see how a question is deconstructed.
3.1 Exam Layout (Sample)
| Section | Marking & Question Types | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|
| Part A – MCQs | 30 marks (10 questions, 3 marks each) | 15 min |
| Part B – Short Answers | 90 marks (6 questions, 15 marks each) | 45 min |
| Part C – Long Essay | 180 marks (1 question, 180 marks) | 90 min |
3.2 Sample Long‑Essay Question
“Discuss the role of political ideology in shaping contemporary democratic institutions in Europe.”
3.3 Marking Scheme (180 Marks)
| Mark | Criterion | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 | Contextualisation (10) | Precise definition of ‘political ideology’; relevance to European democracies. |
| 0–30 | Historical Development (10) | Chronological overview (post‑WWII to present). |
| 0–30 | Theoretical Analysis (15) | Application of key theories (e.g., liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism). |
| 0–30 | Evidence & Examples (10) | Use of at least 3 empirical cases (e.g., EU expansion, Brexit, political movements). |
| 0–30 | Critical Evaluation (10) | Assessment of strengths/weaknesses, policy implications. |
| 0–30 | Structure & Clarity (10) | Logical flow, clear thesis, paragraph cohesion. |
| 0–30 | Referencing & Academic Style (10) | Proper citation, avoidance of plagiarism. |
Total: 180 Marks
3.4 How to Use the Scheme
-
Plan Your Answer
- Allocate time: 15 min research, 60 min writing, 15 min reviewing.
- Draft outline: Intro → Context → History → Theory → Evidence → Critique → Conclusion.
-
Write with the Rubric in Mind
- Contextualisation (10 marks): Start with a clear definition; show relevance.
- Historical Development (10 marks): Brief, bullet‑style timeline with key events.
- Theoretical Analysis (15 marks): Explain at least two theories, compare.
- Evidence (10 marks): Cite EU expansion, Scottish independence, populist parties.
- Critical Evaluation (10 marks): Discuss how ideology drives policy, pitfalls.
- Structure (10 marks): Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence.
- Referencing (10 marks): APA/Chicago; include footnotes.