Use examples to understand decisions
These are planning illustrations, not completed projects or text for submission. Your title, evidence, analysis and reflection must come from your own work.
A useful question structure might be “To what extent did [factor] influence [defined outcome] within [boundary]?” or “How convincing is [claim] when assessed against [criteria]?” The bracketed decisions must be justified, not simply filled in.
Two possible outline patterns
A comparison-led project could establish the question and criteria, examine two competing explanations, compare their evidence and reach a qualified conclusion.
A problem-led project could define the problem, review possible responses, evaluate each against agreed criteria and explain which conclusion is best supported. Choose an outline because it fits the investigation.
A stronger approach explains why
Planning extract: “This source is useful.” The missing element is the reason: useful for which part of the question, supported by what method or evidence, and with what limitation?
Outline extract: “Section 2: more research.” This does not define a task. Replace it in your own plan with the precise uncertainty to investigate, the evidence needed and a realistic review point. These annotations identify the thinking to do; they do not supply assessed answers.
Common mistakes to catch early
A polished introduction cannot compensate for an unanswered question. A long bibliography does not show evaluation by itself. A detailed timetable is useful only if it informs decisions when circumstances change.
Review the alignment between question, evidence and conclusion. If a section contributes none of these, ask whether it needs to be shortened, moved or removed.
Check your school’s current specification and supervisor guidance. AQA’s qualification overview illustrates one awarding body’s requirements; formats and criteria can differ.