11Z Citizenship: Voter Turnout Feedback

Marking Overview

Total Scripts:
15

Question:
Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Marks:
6 marks

Average Grade:
?/6

Select Student to View Marked Work:

4253 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 5/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

Having a high voter turnout is good because it means that the results of the vote will be more representative of the general public.Excellent use of the key term 'representative'. This is a high-level opening point. For example if there was a vote election with 100% voter turnout, the data from that vote would be more accurate compared to a voter turnout of 45%.This is a brilliant, clear example using numbers to show you understand the concept of representation perfectly. This means that decisions being made after the vote would be better for the general public as they have a better idea of what people want.A strong explanation that links high turnout to better, more democratic outcomes.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

Excellent use of the key term 'representative'.
Very clear explanation of your point.
Great use of a numerical example (100% vs 45%) to support your argument.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

This is a fantastic single point. To get full marks, you need to make a second, different point.
For example, you could explain how high turnout gives the winning party more 'legitimacy' or a stronger 'mandate'.

Next Steps: This is an excellent answer. To make it perfect, plan to include two separate reasons in your answer. For example: 1. It makes the result more representative. 2. It gives the government legitimacy.

Grade: 5/6 marks - A superb, well-explained single point. Add a second point for full marks.

4322 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 5/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

To begin with, the importance of having a high voter turnout, is so that the government is able to understand the majority of the people and are able to improve their manifestos.A good opening that links turnout to government understanding and policy (manifestos). Futhermore, the elderly/retired citizens in the UK, are statistically vote more than most middle aged and young people, symbolising their interest in elections/manifestos.This is an excellent, specific piece of knowledge. You are absolutely right that turnout is much higher among older people. This may be as Elderly people are more interested in manifestos and services as they rely on them... this is why it is important to have a high voter turnout as the government are able to improve their influence/manifesto.You make a sophisticated point here: if only the elderly vote, the government will only listen to them. Therefore, high turnout is important so the government listens to EVERYONE.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

Excellent, specific knowledge about voting patterns (older people voting more).
You make a very sophisticated and well-explained point about why unequal turnout is a problem.
Good focus on government policy (manifestos).

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your point is excellent, but it is one main idea. To secure full marks, try to add a second distinct reason.
You could also mention the idea of 'legitimacy' - a government is seen as more legitimate if lots of people vote.

Next Steps: Your knowledge is fantastic. To improve, try to structure your answer into two clear paragraphs, each explaining a different reason why high turnout is important.

Grade: 5/6 marks - An excellent, sophisticated answer with great specific knowledge.

4252 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 4/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It's important to have a high voter turnout as it mean's a majority of peoples voices and opinions are being heared.Good start - you've identified the key idea of representation ('voices being heard'). for example brexit is an important event that would effect the whole of the uk and the voter turn out was high.A good, relevant example. Brexit had a high turnout because it was seen as very important. this is important because it show's the democartic values of the uk and has higher power's like parliment leave important decisons to the people.This part is a little unclear. You are right it's about democratic values, but the link to parliament's power isn't fully explained.

Note: You have a good point and example. Here is how you could rephrase your final sentence to be more clear and analytical.

Improved Section:

This is important because it shows that the government trusts the peopleThis is a clearer way of saying 'leave decisions to the people'. with big decisions, which strengthens the UK's democratic valuesThis clearly explains the positive outcome..

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You identify the core reason: making sure people's voices are heard.
You use a good, specific example (Brexit).
You link the issue to the important idea of 'democratic values'.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your explanation could be a little clearer at the end. Focus on explaining one idea fully.
Try to add a second distinct point to your answer to get more marks.

Next Steps: Plan your answer with two points. For example: 1. People's voices are heard (your point). 2. It gives the winner a clear mandate (a new point).

Grade: 4/6 marks - A good answer with a clear point and example, but needs more clarity and depth.

4210 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 4/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It is important to have a high voter turnout... for example Brexit had the biggest voter turnout... this demonstrates that every person has a decision to make a choice.Good - you have identified a relevant example (Brexit) and linked it to the idea of people making a choice. But this year's government had a low turnout being a small percentage of votes this could mean that not many people have the government in favour meaning the government isn't liked by most.This is an excellent point. You have clearly explained that low turnout can mean the government is unpopular or lacks support. This is the concept of 'legitimacy'.

Note: Your point about the government not being liked is excellent. Here is how you could phrase it using a key term to make it even stronger.

Improved Section:

This could mean the government lacks legitimacy'Legitimacy' is the key term for when a government has the right to rule. Low turnout makes them seem less legitimate., because it suggests that most people did not actively support themThis clearly explains what legitimacy means in this context..

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You make a very clear and important point about how low turnout affects a government's support.
You use a good example (Brexit) to discuss turnout.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Try to make two clear, separate points in your answer. You have one very good point here.
You could add another point about how high turnout makes an election result more representative of all people.

Next Steps: You have a great understanding of 'legitimacy'. Try to learn the definition of 'representation' as well, so you can make two different points in your next answer.

Grade: 4/6 marks - A strong answer with one very well-explained point.

4271 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 4/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

Its important to have a high voter turnout as it means more people have voted.A simple but clear starting point. This means that everyone gets a say and can feel important.This is a good explanation linking turnout to democratic participation and feeling valued. But the main reason is so a majority wins and more people will be happy with there decision.This is a great point. High turnout means the winning side has a clearer, more legitimate victory. For example Brexit had a high voter turnout as it was a really big decision to stay or leave the EU.This is a good example, but you need to explain HOW it links to your point. For example, the high turnout made the final result feel more decisive, even though it was close.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You make a number of clear, relevant points about participation and majority rule.
You understand that high turnout makes the result feel more accepted.
You attempt to use a relevant example.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Explain your example more clearly. How does the Brexit example prove your point?
The answer could be structured into two distinct paragraphs to make it clearer.

Next Steps: When you use an example, always add a sentence explaining what that example *shows*. For instance, "The high turnout in the Brexit vote shows that when the issue is important, people want their say to be counted."

Grade: 4/6 marks - A good answer with several clear points, but needs to develop the example.

4238 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 3/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It is important to have high voter tumout because it is more democratic.Good - you've used a key term correctly. This is because the more people that vote the more peoples opinion is represented.A clear explanation of what 'more democratic' means here. if 10/30 people voted and 8 of them voted labour, labour would win even though a large majority of the country did not vote.This example is a bit confused. You are right that few people are voting, but Labour winning is how the system works. The real problem is that their win isn't very representative of everyone. referendums like brexit are highly democratic because a large amount of people voted.This is a good point but it needs to be explained more fully.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You correctly use the key terms 'democratic' and 'represented'.
You understand the basic principle that more voters equals more representation.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your example with Labour is a little confusing. It would be better to say that their victory would have a weak mandate or low legitimacy.
The points are a bit jumbled. Try to make one point and explain it fully in a paragraph.

Next Steps: Focus on explaining one idea at a time. For your first point, explain clearly WHY it's a problem if the winning party is only supported by a small number of people. Use the word 'legitimacy'.

Grade: 3/6 marks - Shows some understanding of key ideas but the explanation and examples are confused.

4279 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 3/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It is important to have a high voter turnout as having a high voter turnout gives the party in power more belief that they are being supported by the people of the UK.This is a good point. You're describing the idea of a government having 'confidence' or a 'mandate'. for example if the voter turnout was low this would cause a problem in government as the party in power would not be confident that their ideas and beliefs are being supported.This is a good explanation of your first point. which is why having a high voter turnout is important as it reinstates confidence.Good summary of your point.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You make one clear and relevant point about the government's confidence.
You explain the opposite scenario (low turnout) to develop your point.
The answer is focused and easy to understand.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

The answer only makes one point. For more marks, you need to add a second, different point.
You haven't used any specific examples (like a real election or referendum).

Next Steps: Try to add a second point. For example, you could explain that high turnout makes the result more representative of the whole country, not just one group. Also, try to include a real-world example like Brexit or a general election.

Grade: 3/6 marks - One clear point is explained, but the answer needs a second point and examples.

4203 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 3/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

In my opinion it is important to have a high voter turnout because it would motivate others to vote and increase the chances of someone being chosen.The point about motivating others is interesting and shows some thought. It is also important because more people are participating in choosing who gets to rule the country.This is a clear, simple point about democratic participation. When there is a low voter turnout that means a low percentage of people voted which is a negative impact on other people, This is because when people see the voter turnout is low it is more likely they will not vote.You are explaining your first point here, but the logic is a bit circular. The main issue is that low turnout means the result isn't representative.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You identify the importance of participation.
You have a clear structure to your answer.
You have considered the psychological impact of turnout on other voters.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

The main point of your explanation is a bit weak. The key reason high turnout is important is because it makes the government legitimate and representative.
You need to use specific examples to support your points.

Next Steps: Focus on the main reasons for turnout. Think about these two words: 'Representative' (does the result reflect what everyone wants?) and 'Legitimate' (does the winner have the right to rule?). Explain these ideas in your answer.

Grade: 3/6 marks - A clear answer with some simple points, but it misses the main analytical reasons.

4251 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 4/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

In My Opinion I believe it is very important to have a high voter turnout. This is because when dealing with situation such as a referendum it is most ideal to have a high population percentage.Good start, correctly identifying that turnout is crucial for major decisions. This is shown in matters such as a general election only 66% of the population voted overall which y only 30% voted for Labour... this means that although Labour had the majority of seats only 1/3 of the population voted for it which shows massive flaw.This is actually a very sophisticated point. You are correctly identifying a key feature of the UK system where a party can win a large majority of seats with a low share of the popular vote. This 'flaw' is a major topic of political debate.

Note: Your point about the election result is excellent and very insightful. Here is how you could phrase it to make it even more analytical.

Improved Section:

This shows a flaw in the system, as the government may have a weak mandate'Mandate' is the authority to govern. because they only won the active support of a minority of the total electorateThis is a precise way to phrase your excellent point., which can undermine their legitimacy.

Detailed Feedback

✅ Strengths

You have a sophisticated conceptual understanding of a major issue in UK democracy.
Your use of data (even if simplified) shows you are thinking like a political analyst.
You correctly identify that the relationship between votes and seats can be seen as a 'flaw'.

🔄 Areas for Improvement

The point is excellent, but your explanation could be structured more clearly.
Try to link this idea back to why HIGH turnout is important (e.g., higher turnout makes the winner's mandate stronger).

Next Steps: This is a very high-level point. To make it even better, research the term "First Past the Post" (FPTP). This is the name of the UK's electoral system, and it will give you the vocabulary to make your excellent point even more powerful.

Grade: 4/6 marks - A very insightful and sophisticated point that needs clearer explanation and structure.

4121 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 2/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It's important to have a high voter turnout as it would probably benefit the country.A simple starting point. More turnout means the percent-age of people that vote so if it was higher that would be good as it could reduce conflict because and make the public have a better agreement on the new rules.You have a good idea here about 'reducing conflict' and 'agreement', but it's not very clearly explained. How does high turnout lead to this? Another Reason why it's important to have it.This sentence is incomplete and doesn't add a new point.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You have a relevant idea about high turnout leading to more agreement and less conflict.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your explanation is very unclear and hard to follow.
The answer is very brief and doesn't develop any points fully.
You need to use full sentences and check your work for clarity.

Next Steps: Try to write in clear, simple sentences. Start with a point: "High turnout is important because it gives the government legitimacy." Then write another sentence to explain it: "This means more people accept the result, so there is less conflict."

Grade: 2/6 marks - A relevant idea is present but it is not explained clearly.

4229 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 2/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It is important to have high voter turnout because it shows people clear opinion.This is a simple but relevant point. For example it shows people engagement in the country and if turn is lower it bad problem.You are stating things but not explaining them. WHY is low turnout a bad problem? For example if the turnout in 2023 is 67% and 40% vote for Labour and rest vote for other party, only Labour will only care about the 40% this means it going to be unfair for the people who did not vote.This example is very confused. It's good you are thinking about fairness, but the numbers and logic don't quite work. The government has to represent everyone, not just their voters.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You identify a simple, relevant point about showing people's opinion.
You are trying to use examples with data.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your explanation is very limited. You need to say WHY things are important.
Your example is confused and doesn't support your point effectively.
The answer is hard to read and the sentences are not always clear.

Next Steps: Focus on making one point and explaining it clearly. Start with: "High turnout is important because it makes the result fair." Then explain what you mean by fair. For example, "This is because it means the government represents the views of more people."

Grade: 2/6 marks - A simple point is made but the explanation and example are confused.

4122 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 1/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

One reason way it is important to have high voter turnout, is because your chances of succeeding have ment up.This point is very unclear. Whose chances of succeeding? The voter's? The party's? It doesn't explain the importance for the country. For example if two parties was going up against each other for parliment and the one with a higher voter turnout gets the most majority. That party would most lilkey has gotten the majority of votes.This just describes what winning an election is. It doesn't explain why a HIGH turnout (lots of people voting) is important.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You understand that turnout is related to winning elections.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

The answer does not understand the term 'voter turnout'. Turnout is the percentage of people who vote in total, not the number of votes a party gets.
You have not explained why it is important for the country as a whole.

Next Steps: First, make sure you understand the key term. 'Voter turnout' means the percentage of all eligible people who actually voted. Then, think about why it would be good if this percentage was high (e.g. 90%) and bad if it was low (e.g. 30%).

Grade: 1/6 marks - The answer misunderstands the key term 'voter turnout'.

4293 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 1/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

It is important to have a higher voter turnout as it ensures a higher chance of the party winning an election.This is a misunderstanding. High voter turnout means lots of people in the country voted. It doesn't necessarily help one specific party. People might vote on an specific party because they beleive the ideas of that political party meet their requirements or because they like the parties ideas.This explains why people vote for parties, but not why it's important for the overall turnout to be high. A voter turnout is the percentage of votes on a party and how much people are able to vote.This definition is incorrect. Voter turnout is the percentage of ALL eligible people who voted, not the percentage for one party.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You have some understanding of why people choose to vote for political parties.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your answer shows a misunderstanding of the key term 'voter turnout'.
You have not explained why high turnout is important for the country.
The focus is on why a party wins, not on the importance of participation itself.

Next Steps: It is crucial to learn the correct definition of 'voter turnout'. It means: "the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election". Once you understand this, try to answer the question again.

Grade: 1/6 marks - The answer misunderstands the question and the key term 'voter turnout'.

4304 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 1/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

Vote turnout is importan because its how people vote.This is a very simple statement that doesn't explain the importance. heving a high voter turnout is important because it help goverment to make important decison for the country such as leaving brexit was a big & this had a high voter turnout.You have identified a relevant example (Brexit), but you haven't explained HOW high turnout helps the government make the decision.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You correctly identify Brexit as an event with high voter turnout.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

The answer is extremely brief and doesn't explain any points.
You need to explain *why* it helps the government. For example, does it give them more confidence in the result?
The sentences are not clearly written.

Next Steps: Try to expand on your idea. You said it helps the government make a decision. Write a new sentence explaining HOW. For example: "This is because when lots of people vote, the government knows the result is what the country really wants."

Grade: 1/6 marks - A relevant example is named but there is no clear explanation.

4145 - Candidate: N/A - Grade: 1/6

Explain why it is important to have high voter turnout (6 marks)

Student Response:

At a certain extent Because we can actually focus on and see All the votes, Many people on this Country have their own opinions and views.You are right that people have opinions, but this doesn't explain why it's important for many of them to vote. It would help Boost the uks voting system and Also repopulate it.These are very vague phrases. What does it mean to 'boost' or 'repopulate' the voting system? In Addition, to the governments peformance.This is an incomplete sentence and the idea is not explained.

Detailed Feedback

âœ… Strengths

You have recognised that voting is about people's 'opinions and views'.

ðŸ”„ Areas for Improvement

Your points are very vague and not explained.
You need to explain *why* it is important for lots of people to vote.
The answer does not directly address the question.
Sentence structure needs to be clearer.

Next Steps: Start by thinking of one simple reason. For example: "High voter turnout is important because it means the government that gets elected is one that most people want." Then, try to explain that idea further.

Grade: 1/6 marks - The answer contains a few relevant words but does not explain any points clearly.