Justify Your Choice
A vague ending scores low. In the 12-mark decision question, a strong answer states a clear choice and justifies it with specific evidence. Learn how to build one.
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More than an opinion 🏆
A vague ending like on balance it is better scores low. In the 12-mark decision question, a strong answer states a clear choice and **justifies** it with specific evidence. This module is about building a justified answer that earns the marks.
Words to know 🔑
Four ideas run through a justified answer:
A strong answer 🎯
What makes a decision answer well justified?
- It gives reasons backed by specific evidence
- It only says which option the writer likes
- It ends with a vague on balance
- It simply repeats the question
Strong or weak? ⚖️
The same choice can be argued well or badly.
Strong or weak phrase? 🔗
- It is just better
- Source B shows fewer homes flood
- It helps people and protects the river
- I think it is the nicest
- A weak, vague claim with no evidence
- A strong point using specific evidence
- A strong point weighing human and physical impacts
- A weak personal opinion
Build the answer 📝
A strong 12-mark answer follows a clear shape: state the option you choose, justify it with specific evidence from the sources, weigh the physical and human impacts, explain why the other options are weaker, and finish with a clear evidenced conclusion.
What earns the marks? ✅
Which THREE make a decision answer strong?
- It uses specific evidence from the sources
- It weighs physical and human impacts
- It explains why the other options are weaker
- It repeats the question wording
- It ends with a vague on balance
Order the answer 🪜
An interactive activity.
Which justify? 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Complete the idea 🧩
A 12-mark answer must state your _____, then _____ it with specific evidence from the sources. Weigh the _____ impacts on the environment against the human ones, and explain why the other _____ are weaker. Avoid a vague conclusion and always back your points with _____.
Why not on balance? 🔎
Why does a vague on balance conclusion score poorly?
- It gives no evidence or reasons for the choice
- It is too long to read
- It uses too many facts
- It is too neatly written
Make it stronger 🔀
- It is better
- I like it
- It is good for people
- It is the right choice
- Source C shows it costs less and floods fewer homes
- It protects the wetland, a physical benefit
- It helps people and limits harm to the river
- It is best because the evidence supports it
Fix the answer 🧭
An interactive activity.
Plan the answer ✍️
An interactive activity.