Probably the most difficult question in Section C is that which asks you to assess the quality of evidence. There are two reasons that students struggle with this question: first, it isn’t particularly clear what format answers should be in; second, it’s an open-ended question, tempting students to waste time waffling on. If you do it well, though, then you can get 6 marks for it.

Question Format

“Assess the quality of evidence on each side of the dispute.”

Strategy

The key to this question is understanding that it relates to the two sides of the dispute, as analysed in the balance of evidence question.

You should use the criteria of credibility to assess each side of the dispute. Pick a criterion, use it to assess first one side and then the other, and then repeat twice with a different criterion.

What is most important is that you make it clear that you are assessing sides of the dispute rather than individual witnesses.

Sample Answer

The side that says that Ian went to the party dressed as a walrus has a good ability to see, strengthening its credibility; both Jake, Jim, and Susan were actually at the party. The side that says he went as an elephant is less credible by this criterion; the fancy dress shop owner wasn’t at the party, and although Jane was at the party she left before Ian arrived.

The ‘walrus’ side is also more credible due to reputation; Jim and Susan are not known for lying. The ‘elephant’ side, however, is weak by this criterion; as a professional con artist, Jane’s reputation is poor.

Finally, expertise strengthens the ‘elephant’ side. Jane has worked with animals so will know the difference between elephants and walruses, and the fancy dress shop owner is likely to know the costume hired in detail. None of those on the ‘walrus’ side has an specific expertise with animals or costumes, weakening their credibility.