Question 8: Discuss the view that peace is more than simply the absence of war.
[Unit of study: Peace and conflict]

A very good response to the question. The candidate clearly distinguishes between the positive and negative dimensions of peace and ably supports this distinction with the inclusion of relevant real-world examples. However, while much was made of situations in which a negative peace was clearly not peace, per se, the candidate did not provide the same degree of analysis (or attention) to some of the processes required for a positive peace to prevail. Counterclaims were considered but were not really explored (or evaluated) in enough detail. Still, there was clearly enough here to warrant a mark in the mid-range of the 16–20 markband.

Overall comment
A strong series of responses that just lack the consistency, critical thought and depth that is expected of the very best responses. Still, this was an impressive performance overall.

Question 8: Discuss the view that peace is more than simply the absence of war.
[Unit of study: Peace and conflict]

A very solid response to the question, one that displays a firm grasp of the key global politics concepts. However, there is something of a disconnect between some terms and examples and the question (and/or main points) being advanced—likely due to this being the final essay and the candidate having insufficient time remaining. All the main requirements of a response are included, but the lack of fluency in terms of connecting all the disparate parts together (along with some terminological gaps) means that this answer as a whole cannot score in the top markband.

Overall comment
A strong series of responses that just lack the consistency and attention to detail that is expected of the very best responses. Still, this was an impressive performance overall.