Reasoned Argument

Question 4 is the longest answer on the paper (20 or 24 marks). It uses all the sources, and it asks for your own judgement: "Do you agree with this statement?" (papers up to 2024) or "Which one of these actions would you recommend, and why?" (2025 on). Nothing in the sources gives the answer. You are marked on how well you reason, not on which side you choose.

4.1 Assessing actions and perspectives on a global issue

What the question wants

The question prompt lists what to do. It looks like this:

• State your opinion or recommendation.
• Give reasons and evidence to support it.
• Use the material in the sources and/or your own ideas.
• Consider different arguments and perspectives.

Every bullet is a mark scheme point. Tick them off as you plan.

Assessing an action

When you must choose between actions (for example "build schools", "train teachers", "fund mentors"), judge each one with criteria. Then choose the one that does best.

Considering perspectives

A perspective is a viewpoint based on reasons and evidence. For each action, ask who would support it and who would object. Perspectives can be:

• personal: how it affects one person or family,
• local or national: communities, businesses, governments,
• global: other countries, international organisations, the environment.

For an agreement question, give one or two perspectives that disagree with you and say why you still hold your view. This counter-argument and reply is a sign of top-level thinking.

Using the sources and your own ideas

• Quote or refer to at least two or three different sources, and say what each shows ("Source 2 reports that ...").
• Add your own ideas or examples, so your answer is not only a summary of the insert.
• Notice when a source is biased or weak. Using it carefully, with a comment, is stronger than quoting it as if it were fact.

4.2 Supporting a line of reasoning with reasons and evidence

A line of reasoning is a chain of connected points that leads logically to your conclusion. Markers check whether each step follows from the last.

Plan before you write (3 minutes)

1. Decide your opinion or recommendation.
2. List three main reasons and, for each, the evidence (source number, figure, own example).
3. Pick one opposing view and how you would reply.
4. Write your conclusion in a sentence.

Structure of the answer

The point-evidence-explain-link paragraph

1. Point: the reason, in a clear sentence.
2. Evidence: from a source, a statistic, an example.
3. Explain: why this evidence supports your point (this is the step most students miss).
4. Link: back to your main opinion, and if you can, to a different perspective.

Ways to move up a level

• Develop every point with because and which means, rather than listing.
• Compare the options (whereas, however, on the other hand).
• Show balance without losing your line: acknowledge another view, then explain why yours is still stronger.
• Avoid extreme words (everyone, always, never) unless you can justify them.
• Keep your conclusion linked to your reasons: do not introduce new reasons at the end.

Managing the time

On a paper of about 75 to 85 minutes and 70 marks, you have roughly one minute per mark. Question 4 is worth the most, so keep 25 to 30 minutes for it: 3 to 5 minutes planning, the rest writing. Read the sources once at the start, not once for each question.