Examine a significant Decision made by people.

The first part of this essay asks you to describe factors that contributed to a decision. This means initially explaining what happened in the lead up to the decision being made. Then, why did people make the decision and who was involved. Merit ask for accuracy, meaning getting names, places and dates right. Excellence asks for perceptive which means explaining what factors are most important while showing some insight and depth of understanding.

For the second part Achieved ask you to Describe the consequences and simply expects you to describe how it might have affected the different parties. Merit ask you to evaluate the consequences, and is seeking your view so say whether it is good or bad and justify your answer with evidence. Merit asks for Comprehensively which means explaining a variety of consequences and rating them, with evidence.

An appropriate format expects formal language and appropriate structure, introduction, body and conclusion.

REMEMBER the simple things. Read and answer the question asked. Do not use information that is irrelevant especially if you are trying to pad out your answer. If there are two parts to the question, answer BOTH parts.

"DESCRIBE" means a factual outline.
"EVALUATE" expects your viewpoint
"EXPLAIN the significance" means evaluate several factors/consequences.
"WHY..." requires reasons (plural).
"To what EXTENT..." requires a conclusion of 'how much' ie importance.

Watch for TIME limits or CONTENT limits.

GOOD LUCK.