How do you draw a supported conclusion from sources?
The skill of drawing and supporting conclusions using two or more sources, synthesising evidence, and linking each conclusion clearly to the evidence that supports it.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the source-handling skill of drawing conclusions, covering how to use two or more sources together, synthesise evidence, write a clear conclusion, and support every conclusion with specific evidence from the sources.
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What this dot point is asking
The SQA wants you to draw and support conclusions using two or more sources, synthesise evidence from across the sources, and link each conclusion clearly to the evidence that backs it. This is one of the three source-handling skills assessed in the Higher Modern Studies question paper, and it is usually the highest-tariff source skill, worth 8 to 10 marks. The same skill underpins the conclusion of your added value assignment, where you must reach a justified overall judgement from your own research.
The answer
What a conclusion is
The exam question always tells you which headings to reach conclusions about. A typical stem reads "What conclusions can be drawn about..." and then lists two or three headings, such as differences between age groups, or how a trend has changed over time. You must give a conclusion for every heading listed, or you lose those marks.
Synthesising evidence
Synthesis is the single biggest discriminator. A candidate who supports a conclusion with a figure from only one source is capped in the middle band. A candidate who links a figure from Source A to a related figure from Source B, and names both, reaches the top band. The skill is the same one rewarded in the National 5 course, but at Higher the markers expect tighter, more selective use of evidence.
Structuring the answer
A reliable structure for each paragraph is: conclusion sentence, then "This is shown in Source A which states... and this is supported by Source B which shows...". Repeat for every heading, then add a short overall conclusion. The overall conclusion is not optional at Higher; it carries marks of its own.
Supporting with evidence
Every conclusion must be backed by specific evidence, a direct quotation or a figure, drawn from the sources. A conclusion with no evidence, or evidence with no conclusion, gains nothing. Vague support such as "the source agrees" will not do; you must name the figure or quote the phrase.
Examples in context
A common stimulus pairs a Scottish Government table on Scottish Child Payment uptake with a Joseph Rowntree Foundation briefing on child poverty. A good conclusion under the heading "impact on low-income families" reads: child poverty pressures remain severe despite new support. This is shown in the government table (rising uptake of the payment) and supported by the Rowntree source (poverty rates still above the pre-pandemic level). The synthesis of an official figure with an independent charity figure is exactly what markers reward.
Another classic pairs turnout data by region with a deprivation index. The conclusion "turnout is linked to affluence" is supported by joining the low-turnout figure in the deprived region from one source to the high-turnout figure in the affluent region from the other.
Try this
Q1. State what is meant by synthesising evidence. [2 marks]
- Cue. Joining evidence from two or more sources to support a single conclusion, using a linking phrase such as this is backed up by.
Q2. Explain how you would structure an answer that asks for conclusions under several headings. [4 marks]
- Cue. Give a clear conclusion for each heading, support each with synthesised evidence from more than one source, then give an overall conclusion that weighs the headings together.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of SQA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
SQA Higher 201810 marksWhat conclusions can be drawn about the impact of the cost of living on different groups in Scotland? Use Sources A, B and C, and reach conclusions about the headings given.Show worked answer →
This is the conclusions style of source question, usually worth 8 to 10 marks. Markers reward a clear conclusion for each heading the question sets out, each supported by synthesised evidence, plus an overall conclusion.
To gain full marks you must do three things. First, give a valid conclusion for each heading (not just a copied fact). Second, support each conclusion by joining evidence from at least two sources using a linking phrase such as this is backed up by. Third, provide an overall conclusion that weighs the headings together.
A typical mark scheme allocates roughly 2 marks per developed conclusion with synthesised evidence and a further mark or two for the overall conclusion. A conclusion with evidence from only one source, or a fact copied with no judgement, is capped at the lower band.
SQA Higher 20228 marksWhat conclusions can be drawn about levels of trust in different news media? Use Sources A and B to reach and support conclusions.Show worked answer →
Markers look for conclusions that go beyond the sources by weighing the evidence. Each conclusion must be supported by specific figures or quotations synthesised across both sources.
A strong response states a conclusion (for example that younger people trust social media more than older people), then synthesises: it links a figure from Source A to a contrasting figure from Source B using a phrase such as this is supported by. Naming the exact percentages is the discriminator between bands.
The final overall conclusion should pull the trends together into one supported judgement. Listing facts with no overall conclusion limits the mark.
Related dot points
- The skill of detecting bias, exaggeration and selective use of facts in written and statistical sources, and how to identify objective and subjective statements.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the source-handling skill of detecting bias and exaggeration, covering how to spot selective use of facts, emotive language and overstated claims, and how to tell objective statements from subjective opinions.
- The added value assignment, including choosing an issue with alternative views, researching from a range of sources, evaluating source reliability, and structuring a balanced report with a supported conclusion.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the added value assignment, covering how to choose a debatable issue, research from a range of sources, evaluate the reliability of sources, and write a balanced report that reaches a conclusion supported by evidence.
- The role of the traditional and new media in democracy, how the media informs and influences voters and politics, debates about bias and ownership, and the impact of social media on participation.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the media and democracy, covering the role of traditional and new media, how the media informs and influences voters, debates about ownership and bias, and the impact of social media on political participation.
- The voting systems used in Scotland and the UK, including First Past the Post and the Additional Member System, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they affect representation and government formation.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on representation and voting systems, comparing First Past the Post used at Westminster with the Additional Member System used for the Scottish Parliament, their advantages and disadvantages, and how each shapes proportionality, government formation and voter choice.
Sources & how we know this
- SQA Higher Modern Studies Course Specification — SQA (2018)