AO1 (5 marks)/AO2 (15 marks)

Marking instructions

Markers must apply the descriptors in line with the general marking guidance and the qualities outlined in the levels-based mark scheme below.

Responses that demonstrate only AO1 without any AO2 should be awarded marks as follows:

Level 1 AO1 performance: 1 mark
Level 2 AO1 performance: 2 marks
Level 3 AO1 performance: 3 marks.
Level 4 AO1 performance: 4–5 marks.

Indicative content guidance

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all of it. Other relevant material not suggested below must also be credited. Relevant points may include:

AO1

there is a wide range of different types of geopolitical interventions from development aid to military intervention with human rights often invoked as a reason resulting in differing levels of success
human rights changes can be measured in terms of health, life expectancy, and educational levels, as well as political freedoms
there is a patchy history of development aid in terms of economic inequalities, which in turn will impact on human rights
there are differences in success between military and non-military interventions

AO2

the impact of interventions is likely to be uneven geographically within a country so there is likely to be change in different directions for different regions
the impact of interventions is likely to be uneven socially/ethnically within a country so there is likely to be change in different directions for different groups of people
some interventions take place with the full co-operation of local elites who can clearly be seen to benefit economically from it and thus probably in terms of their wider health and welfare
there are sometimes tensions between different aspects of the same intervention which can both improve human rights for some while actively reducing them for others
interventions may have contrasting short-term and long-term consequences (military interventions in Iraq, Libya)
the evaluation of what constitutes a reduction/improvement in human rights will vary across different groups (for some the increase in gender equality is not seen as an improvement)
human rights as a justification for military intervention is not necessarily the only or even dominant reason but might nonetheless lead to positive changes

16-20 Marks Level Description:

Demonstrates accurate and relevant geographical knowledge and understanding throughout. (AO1)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to find fully logical and relevant connections/relationships. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to produce a full and coherent interpretation that is supported by evidence. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to come to a rational, substantiated conclusion, fully supported by a balanced argument that is drawn together coherently. (AO2)

Interventions & Outcomes (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Topic Questions