The last question of Section B requires a simple credibility comparison. It’s worth two marks, and every student should get them both (but they don’t).

Question Format

The question will be worded like this: “Use one credibility criterion to demonstrate which source, A or B, is more credible than the other.”

Strategy

This is another of those very straightforward questions that students should be able to pick up marks for easily, but too often don’t.

You should structure your answer in the following way: “A is more credible than B due to [criterion of credibility]. A’s credibility is strong because [explanation]. B’s is comparatively weak because [explanation].”

Thus, for example: “Andy is more credible than Brian due to his better ability to see. Andy’s credibility is strong because he was at the event and had a good view. Brian’s credibility is comparatively weak because he was blind, asleep, and several hundred miles away.”

Or: “Amy is more credible than Barbara due to her greater expertise. Amy’s credibility is strong because she is a qualified vet with twenty years of experience in the profession. Barbara’s credibility is comparatively weak because she’s allergic to all animals so hasn’t been near any since she was 4.”