How to Get an A* in A-Level Politics

Securing top marks in A-Level Politics isn't just about memorising information or the latest political news, it comes down to essay execution, structure, and evaluation.

Whether you are stuck at a C or B grade, or you just need to get from an A to the top A*, here are a few tips that should help you master your A-Level Politics writing.

Getting to an A

Mastering these fundamentals will help give you the strong foundations you need to build up to top marks.

1. Plan before you write... Never jump straight into writing without taking 5 minutes to plan. A good plan ensures your answer stays structured, covers key points, and maintains a consistent overall judgment.

2. Follow a structure... Use a clear and effective structure with an introduction, three main paragraphs (with for/against points and mini evaluations) and a conclusion.

3. Analyse, don't just describe... Build analysis around precise and relevant political examples, that have been carefully selected.

4. Practice under timed conditions... Practicing under timed conditions regularly is the single best way to ensure you give equal weight to evaluation and finish every question on the exam.

Pushing from an A to an A*

Once your structure and timing are locked in, small adjustments to depth, nuance, and style will push your work into A* territory.

1. Add extra depth to points and examples... Rather than just adding more examples to an existing point, expand your analysis by introducing an additional point and example to one or both sides of a main paragraph.

2. Make your evaluation more nuanced... An A* student rarely sees the political world in black and white. Top-scoring answers recognise strong counterarguments while demonstrating why one side remains more persuasive.

For a more detailed breakdown of how to get an A* in Edexcel A-Level Politics, check out this completely free and comprehensive guide.