1. Structure Report essays need logical form and shape i.e. structure As a basic structure you should think: Plan Look before you leap; use the planning page in the answer booklet to brainstorm the question and plan out the structure of your answer. Introduction including a discussion and definition of the question or issue in the title; key concepts, ideas and themes Discussion The main body of your report, with case studies, examples and discussion; including methods of collection and analysis and possibly their limitations; bibliography and/or footnotes of major sources of data indication of sources of research information used Conclusion analysis and interpretation of the title set in relation to the evidence you have used sub evaluations and final conclusion

2. Plans and introductions Are always marked, even if crossed out Messy scribbles which help YOU are fine Do not over-plan (take too long planning) to detriment of real report-essay. A planning page is designated in the examination answer booklet Pull apart the Question: identify the: Command words e.g. discuss, analyse, explain….. Identify the key words e.g. all, mainly, increasingly Identify the range of case studies/examples needed Identify any restrictions i.e. case studies or themes that do not fit the question. In your introduction : Discuss Define justify

3. Evaluating and conclusions You get marks for evaluating throughout the essay, so after each main section have a link back to the title Conclusion- This section, probably ¾ or a side of writing, is a summary of all the major findings made at stages throughout the report. No new evidence or examples should appear here. The conclusion consider the evidence presented in the main body, draws out the implications and brings it to one overall conclusion or an ordered series of final conclusions. There should be obvious reference back to the title and your SPECIFIC case studies. You might want to make reference to the future if relevant

4. Mark scheme. Mark schemeMarksShorthand Introducing, defining and focusing on the question 10D Researching and Methodology 15R Analysis, application and understanding 20A Conclusions and evaluation 15C Quality of written communication and sourcing 10Q TOTAL70 So when your examiner is thinking DRACQ and awarding up to 70 marks, have you maximised your chances for success? Would you give your Definitions/ introduction and conclusion 10 marks each? Have you shown both range and depth in your Research for 15 marks? Have you really tried to fit the data to the title and get the highest Application/ analysis marks? How close to 10 will you be on Quality of Written Communication?

5. Characteristics of weak and strong exam work Characteristics of weak workCharacteristics of strong work  Unstructured report  Lack of focus on the question in the introduction  Random case studies, poorly related to question focus  Descriptive  ‘Another case study is…”  A simple presentation of knowledge, some of it incorrect  No referencing, sourcing or hint at research methods  Well organised, sectioned report  Direct reference to question, definitions  Justified case study choice  Links to concepts, theories and models  Explanatory, supported by factual detail  Supporting examples  Links between case studies and examples drawing out overall themes  A genuine discussion  A genuine attempt to source, reference and mention research