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Essay questions carry the most marks on AQA A-Level Psychology papers. A 16-mark essay is worth one-sixth of an entire paper. Mastering essay technique — particularly evaluation — is the single most effective way to improve your grade. This lesson covers essay structure, the PEEL method for evaluation, application technique, integrating Issues and Debates, and common mistakes to avoid.
AQA uses two main types of extended writing question:
| Type | Marks | Typical Command | AO1 | AO3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-mark essay | 12 | "Outline and evaluate..." | 6 | 6 |
| 16-mark essay | 16 | "Discuss..." | 6 | 10 |
Some 16-mark essays on Paper 3 also include a scenario and carry AO2 (application) marks in addition to AO1 and AO3. Always read the question carefully to check whether a scenario is included.
Both 12-mark and 16-mark essays award a maximum of 6 marks for AO1 (description). This is a crucial insight because it means:
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