Course Assessment: overview of the SQA Higher Philosophy question papers

Course Assessment is how SQA Higher Philosophy is examined and graded. The course is assessed by externally set and marked question papers covering all three areas of study, and graded A to D. This page explains the assessment and how to turn your knowledge of Arguments in Action, Knowledge and Doubt and Moral Philosophy into marks.

How the course is assessed

Higher Philosophy is assessed by externally set and marked question papers and is graded A to D. The assessment covers all three areas of study, so you must prepare Arguments in Action, Knowledge and Doubt and Moral Philosophy. The course is at SCQF level 6 and worth 24 SCQF credit points. The exact mark allocations and paper layout are set out in the current SQA documents, so always check the specification and recent past papers for the version you are sitting.

The command words

The command word fixes the skill required:

• Describe / state / identify. Give an account, features or a fact (lower tariff).
• Explain. Make clear by giving reasons and developing the point.
• Analyse. Break an argument into its parts and structure and show how they relate.
• Evaluate. Make a reasoned judgement, weighing strengths and weaknesses, with a supported conclusion (highest tariff).

Reading the command word correctly is half the battle: describing when the question says evaluate forfeits most of the marks.

How marks are awarded

Marks rise with the depth of skill demanded. "Explain" and analysis questions reward developed points (a point plus the reason, example or step that supports it) and correct breakdown of arguments. The extended-response "evaluate" questions reward a balanced, argued response with a supported judgement, exactly the skill rehearsed in evaluating rationalism and empiricism and in comparing utilitarianism and Kant. Throughout, accuracy and development, not volume, win marks.

How to study for the assessment

1. Prepare all three areas. None can be dropped, and argument skills run through the lot.
2. Learn the command words. Match your answer to describe, explain, analyse or evaluate.
3. Drill the skills. Standard form and fallacy-spotting for analysis; strengths, objections and a judgement for evaluation.
4. Use SQA past papers and marking instructions. They reveal the question style and the wording the markers reward.
5. Practise to time. The papers reward developed answers written under exam conditions.

For the official course specification

The SQA (now Qualifications Scotland) publishes the full Higher Philosophy course specification, specimen question papers and past papers at sqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and SQA past papers, because question style and terminology are board-specific.