Marking Instructions

Source-based interpreting electoral data question that assesses information-handling skills

(20 marks)
Credit candidates who synthesise information both within and between sources
For full marks candidates must refer to all sources in their answer.
Interpretation of data linked to the first part of the viewpoint
(up to 9 marks, depending on accuracy, synthesis and commentary)
Interpretation of data linked to the second part of the viewpoint
(up to 6 marks, depending on accuracy, synthesis and commentary)
Evaluation of extent of validity of the viewpoint
(up to 5 marks, depending on the quality of commentary on the validity of either or both
components of the the viewpoints with supporting justifications.)
First part of the viewpoint: Performance of the Leave Campaign
Second part of the viewpoint: Attitudes towards Brexit
Example of an A pass answer to Interpretation of data linked to the first part of the
viewpoint
It has a high quality of accuracy and synthesis between the viewpoint and the Sources. It
interprets both parts of the viewpoint. It concludes with an overall evaluation of the validity
of the viewpoint.

The viewpoint states that the 2016 European referendum was a narrow win for the Leave
campaign. This is supported by Source B which shows Leave won 51.9% of the vote, a
narrow majority. It states that Leave won in all sections of the UK. This is only partially true.
Source C shows that Leave narrowly won in England and Wales but not as it claims,
comfortably, winning with small majorities. The only Section Leave won with large
majorities was with older voters and less skilled voters. Source E shows over 60% in C2 and
DE voters voted Leave and Source F shows 60% of the over 65s voted Leave too.
There is a lot of data which does not support the viewpoint. Source C shows that a large
majority in Scotland did not support Leave and a small majority in Norther Ireland did not.
There are far fewer voters in these countries as there are in England so these results were
not significant to the overall result. Similarly, Source F shows that the vast majority of 18-24
year olds did not vote Leave despite the fact that the viewpoint states that Leave won the
majority of the vote in all sections.
The viewpoint states that “Public interest in Brexit was high”. Source A tells us that the
Brexit debates have dominated UK politics since 2016”. This supported by Source D which
shows that turnout for the referendum in the UK was higher (72.2%) than it was for either
of the two recent General Elections (66.2% in 2015 and 68.7% in 2017).
However, the viewpoint states that there is “continued support for the UK to leave” which is
contradicted by Source G which shows more voters now, in hindsight, think it wrong to
leave the EU.
Overall, the viewpoint is mostly valid. Leave did win by a narrow majority, as the viewpoint
states. It is only partially correct in saying that Leave won the majority of the vote across all
sections of the UK as in Scotland, Northern Ireland and among the more skilled workers and
young people Leave did not win a majority at all. The viewpoint is correct to state that
public interest in Brexit was high as there was a large turnout in all parts of the UK,
sometimes higher than in general elections and there is continued support to Leave. 40%
still think it was right to Leave and 10% of voters don’t know.