How to write a good A01 section

How much should I write? To get the full 8 AO1 marks, AQA advise that you write for around 200 words for AO1 You may be able to write more than this in 10 minutes, but 200 words is enough to write. If you are writing about two theories, you do not have to write an equal amount for each. AQA are clear that you can have more (say two thirds) on one theory and one third on the other. Do think about this before you begin to write you answer since it vital that you only spend 10 minutes on AO1.

7-8 marks – really good! Is about 200 words (or more). The information is relevant to the theory and has all the main points about the theory that are given in the worksheet (or most of the points if two theories are given). These points are explained clearly and would make sense to someone who hadn’t studied Psychology. 5-6 marks – pretty good The answer has most of the main points included, and is at least 150 words long, but a couple of bits may be missing. There may be one or two things that are not quite correct. It is mostly written clearly. 3-4 marks - OK The answer is not very detailed. There are a couple of points which correctly relate to the theory, but they are not explained very well. It may be hard for someone who has not studied Psychology to understand the explanation. There may be information that is not accurate or irrelevant. 1-2 marks - poor Very brief answer, or a longer answer that is mostly incorrect or irrelevant. To get a mark or two, there must be at least one correct elaborated point, or a couple of brief points. 0 marks – terrible! Answer has no correct or relevant information

Tips to get the most marks for AO1 1. Make sure your description is clear and coherent. TIP: Get someone to read your AO1 section. It doesn’t matter if they know anything about Psychology, they should be able to understand what you are describing! 2. Make sure you are describing the correct theory/study. TIP: Organise your notes and revise the theories and studies regularly! 3. Write in detail and use psychological terminology. TIP: Use your packs and notes to help you with this. This is quite subjective however bare in mind that the exam board expects you to write 200 words.