The exemplification materials for general studies cover as balanced as representation as possible of the various specifications. The examples at the different grade boundaries are responses to different questions.

The candidates' answers show that performance across a question may be uneven. Parts of the question may be well answered but gaps in knowledge and understanding lower overall attainment. This is particularly evident at the E/U boundary.

The commentary for each example:

• links the example to the assessment objectives for A level general studies;
• sets out what was expected of the candidate when answering the particular question;
• places the example in the context of the whole paper;
• includes an analysis of the candidate’s performance.