Writing the DMEWriting the DMEWriting the DMEWriting the DME

Paper 2Paper 2

DMEWhat do I have to do?

• You have to take on a role and write a report recommending a course of action and provide information from the sources and your background knowledge to support it.

• You should also have to identify and comment on any opposition to your recommendation.

What kind of role might I have to play?

• You might be asked to be a researcher, an advisor, a civil servant, a consultant, a chairperson of a committee, a planner or an expert in social policy.

How do I know what my task is?

2007 Paper 2

Planning your report• To plan your report you need to

know which sources are balanced or biased.– Biased = statements by spokesperson,

political parties, newspaper reports or letters

– Balanced = statistics, research reports.

• Reread the sources to look for– Arguments for and against the

proposal– Headings to divide up information– Links between the sources– Clues to background information.

• Make notes of what you intend to put in your report. You may want to underline, highlight and make notes in the margin.

Task• In your groups you must find

information to support and oppose the view that “ESA should be introduced”.

Background Knowledge• The written sources will contain

“triggers” – key words or phrases that should alert you to what background knowledge to include.

Remembering Background Knowledge• Use something like a mnemonic:

– A– B– E– N– H– E– I– M– E– R

Organise Information• You must make sure that you

synthesise (bring together) information from the written sources, statistical sources, background knowledge and then organise it under headings.

Suggested layout

AgainstMost claimants

are genuine

Wrong aboutwomen – Source

C1

Wrong aboutGDP – Source

C2 (a)

For ESAProblems ofIncapacity

Benefit

% -Source C1+ BK Individualist

v Collectivist

ESA – fairerSystem

+ BK Welfare to Work

Benefits of ESASavings –Source

C3 (a) + BKBenefits of WorkPrincipals of the

Welfare State

Against ESAResponsibility ofState to support people on need-7 million mental/ physical disability-Charities haveto fill the gap-CHARITY Spending Source C2 (b)

Will increasehardship-Discourages Claimants-Mistakes in deciding who's fit-Interview stress-Forced into jobs can’t cope with-Source C3 (b) - Incapacity lowest benefit for lone parentsBK – Welfare to Work

Will increase social exclusion-Low Govt spendingon sick and disabled-Source C3 (a)-Source C2 (a)-Lone parentFamilies lowestBenefit- % source C3 (b)

IncapacityBenefit Rulesalready tough-2.7 million claim but-Only 1.7 millionreceive (2004)and-Number fallenFrom 1.9 m

Welfare toWork aboutsaving money-1980s encouraged to claim to hideUnemploymentBK – Welfare to Work

Effective antiDiscriminationlaws would bebetter-Obstacles toemployment -Those who wantto work can’tBK – SocialExclusionPrincipals ofWelfare State

Most common reasonFor men not working

- for ESA Not most common forwomen – need help

with family and home- Against ESA

UK spendingbelow the EU

Average - Against ESA

BK – benefitsystem in other

countries

£450 m on disabled-Current system

needs propped up-for and against ESA

¼ of spending – nothighest

- Against ESA

Lowest benefit forlone parents- Against ESA

Release spending for other groups eg:

Families – for ESA

¾ of benefits couldencourage more

work – for ESA

2008 Paper 2

Introduction• Give your recommendation and

make it clear that you understand your role and task. Use the instructions from the question to help you with this.

IntroductionAs a … (role) ……… I have been asked to prepare a report on the … (issue) … for … (who is the report for) … The proposal is … (describe) … There are strong views on both sides the … (title of source A) … and … (title of source B) … contains some bias and exaggeration. However there is enough impartial evidence to make a recommendation.

After examining the sources and considering other relevant information it is my recommendation that… (say what you think should happen) .

Arguments For and Against

increased spending must be brought under control

evidence that not all claimants are incapable of work

proposal maintains original aims of the welfare state in encouraging work/discouraging idleness

work is now less physically demanding

work is beneficial to the individual

provision of useful training for those who can work

genuine claimants will be better off

existing recipients of IB not affected.

reduction in number of claimants already happening as the existing system is already a tough one charities have to underpin an under-funded welfare state increased stress on vulnerable individuals concern of experts over implications priority should be to overcome employer prejudice UK spends less on helping disabled workers than most EU states original aims of the welfare state being compromised yet another money saving device.

How do I provide arguments in support of my

recommendation?• Use headings with bullet points or

numbering.

• Remember the triggers or clues.

Each paragraph must have:

Synthesise Organise information under headings, connect sources and background knowledge

Acknowledge

Label sources, identify background knowledge

Verify Prove statements with statistics, point out bias and exaggeration

Evaluate Explain usefulness of information, show how it advances argument, come to a conclusion

• Use a similar style to the short enquiry skills– Statement– Explain– Example– Analyse

• You must have a clear line or argument running through the report.

How do I write my paragraphs?

How do I identify and comment on opposing

arguments?• Do this in two parts

– Identify – state problems with, or opposing arguments to, your recommendation.

– Comment – rebut by providing solutions and counter arguments.

How do I comment on opposing arguments?

• What is rebuttal

This is counteracting or disproving the evidence against your recommendation.

Try to cancel out any problems you have identified with your recommendation.

How do I write my conclusion?

1. Restate your recommendation

2. Prioritise your arguments

A conclusion is not a summary. It is a justification of your decision. Try to end with a confident statement in support of your recommendation.