AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 1, June 2025: Question 1
16 marks · Medium difficulty · Extended Response
Answer questions on voluntary groups, demonstrations, trade unions, charity fundraising, digital democracy, and examine actions UK citizens can take to help end child labour.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
01 Investigating the action of others
01.1 Which of the following is a voluntary group?
[1 mark]
Shade in the one correct answer.
A Age UK
B BBC
C Green Party
D Institute of Directors
01.2 What is meant by the term ‘demonstration’ in the context of active citizenship?
[1 mark]
01.3 Identify two advantages of joining a trade union.
[2 marks]
01.4 Using an example, explain one way charities can raise money to support those
in need.
[2 marks]
01.5 Using an example, explain what is meant by the term ‘digital democracy’.
[2 marks]
01.6 Source A
Child labour
About 10% of children worldwide are working as child labourers. This is where they
are too young to do the work or would be harmed by doing the work. Child labour
deprives children of their right to education, proper care and nutrition. Many of these
child labourers work within the fashion trade, making clothing to satisfy the demand
of consumers from around the world.
The main reasons for the existence of child labour are:
• fast fashion – the demand for clothing to be produced as quickly as possible. This
gets the latest fashion trends to the consumers for low prices
• poverty – in countries where there is extreme poverty, there are children willing to
work for low wages and parents who are forced to allow it
• not enough checks in factories – this makes it easier for factory owners to employ
children without big brands and consumers finding out.
Many global fashion brands such as Nike, H&M, GAP and Primark have been
accused of using factories that ignore child labour laws.5
Examine the actions UK citizens can take to help bring an end to child labour.
In your response, you should refer to Source A and examples from your own
knowledge.
[8 marks]
Extra space
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 1 Which of the following is a voluntary group? 1
Correct answer: A Age UK
AO1 = 1
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 2 What is meant by the term ‘demonstration’ in the context of active 1
citizenship?
Award 1 mark for a correct explanation of the term.
This could be:
a public meeting or march protesting about a specific issue.
Award a mark for any other relevant answers.
AO1 = 1
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 3 Identify two advantages of joining a trade union. 2
Award 1 mark for each correct answer (x2).
Trade union advantages include:
• negotiates better pay
• negotiates better working conditions
• challenges discrimination in workplaces
• organises strike action
• provides solidarity/strength in numbers from others in the same trade
• provides legal support and advice
• provides representation in disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Award marks for any other relevant answers.
– – – JUNE 2025
AO1 = 2
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 4 Using an example, explain one way charities can raise money to 2
support those in need.
4 Award 1 mark for the identification of a correct way and 1 mark for an
appropriate example.
Responses may include:
• by holding charity fundraisers (1) where they sell cakes/have games
where people can pay to play (1)
• on their websites or social media (1) by having links where citizens can
donate directly (1)
• by promoting their work (1) in person or through charity awareness
events/digitally through videos (1)
• by crowdfunding for a project (1) by collecting small amounts of money
from a large number of people who spread the word (1)
• by using celebrities (1) through charity endorsements (1)
• Oxfam can raise finance through their charity shops (1) where they sell
items donated by the public (1).
Award marks for any other relevant answers.
NB: an example may relate to the student’s own citizenship activity or to
relevant activities undertaken by a group operating in the broader
community.
AO1 = 2
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 5 Using an example, explain what is meant by the term ‘digital 2
democracy’.
Award 1 mark for a correct definition and 1 mark for developing an
explanation by using an example.
Digital democracy is the use of technology to engage wider and more
informed participation of citizens in politics/using ICT to promote
democracy.
Examples might include:
• online petitions
• online voting
• political debate/campaigns on social media.
Award marks for any other relevant answers.
– – – JUNE 2025
AO1 = 2
Total 5
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
01 6 Examine the actions UK citizens can take to help bring an end to 8
child labour.
In your response, you should refer to Source A and examples from
your own knowledge.
Level Marks Descriptor
Well-chosen evidence is selected from Source A
and own example(s).
Demonstrates excellent, relevant application of
knowledge and understanding of citizenship
4 7–8
actions.
The evidence is used to support arguments which
are well developed and analysed.
The arguments lead to a coherent conclusion.
Appropriate evidence is selected from Source A
and from own examples.
Demonstrates good, mostly relevant application of
knowledge and understanding of citizenship
actions.
3 5–6
The evidence is used to support arguments but
these arguments are not always completely
developed or analysed.
Conclusions drawn from the arguments may not be
completely coherent.
Some evidence is selected from Source A and
from own examples.
Demonstrates some, occasionally relevant
application of knowledge and understanding of
2 3–4 citizenship actions.
Weak arguments are made which are not
necessarily related to the evidence selected.
Some attempt is made to integrate the arguments
into concluding remarks.
Basic application of knowledge and understanding
of the citizenship actions discussed in Source A.
Little or no attempt is made to analyse the evidence
1 1–2
presented or to provide own examples.
Little or no attempt is made to integrate the points
made.
00 Nothing to credit.
– – – JUNE 2025
6 Indicative content
The account will relate to the source with ways UK citizens can help bring
about change such as:
The actions UK citizens can take to help
Source A
bring an end to child labour:
Children’s rights • join a pressure group or form their own
group to campaign and raise awareness
about child labour
• petition the government and the fashion
industry to tackle child labour
• lobby politicians to address this issue in
parliament
• raise awareness on social media
• connect with celebrities on social media and
alert them to the issue.
Fast fashion • petition the government to encourage slow
sustainable fashion and provide incentives
for brands to do this
• petition the fashion industry to encourage
slow sustainable fashion
• purchase sustainable clothing made
ethically.
Poverty • support charities, eg volunteering and
donating to the charities that work to tackle
child labour and improve the lives of children
by setting up schools, etc.
Not enough checks in • write to brands and other organisations to
factories bring the issue to their attention and
persuade them to carry out regular
inspections of factories.
Global brands • carry out protests such as campaigning
accused of using outside the retail premises of brands that
factories that ignore have been involved in child labour or
child labour laws boycotting those brands.
AO2 = 4
AO3 = 4
How to answer it
Investigating the Action of Others: Active Citizenship & Child Labour
What this question tests
- Recall & Classification: Identifying voluntary sector organisations versus public corporations or political parties.
- Terminology: Defining key citizenship mechanisms, including demonstrations, trade union functions, and digital democracy.
- Application & Examples: Explaining fundraising strategies with realistic examples and technological tools used in civic engagement.
- Evaluation & Extended Writing (8 marks): Examining actions UK citizens can take (boycotts, lobbying, petitions, ethical consumerism, direct protests) to challenge global child labour using both Source A and own knowledge.
Question 01.1
Identifying Voluntary Groups (1 Mark)
✅ Correct Answer
A: Age UK
Age UK is a registered charity operating within the voluntary (third) sector.
💡 Sector Breakdown
- BBC: Public corporation (publicly funded via licence fee).
- Green Party: Political party seeking election.
- Institute of Directors: Professional business organisation / interest group.
Question 01.2
Definition: 'Demonstration' (1 Mark)
✅ Correct Answer
A public meeting, march, or gathering held to protest against an issue or show public support for a specific cause.
🧠 Exam Technique
Keep 1-mark definitions concise. You must mention that it is public and involves protesting or expressing an opinion on an issue.
Question 01.3
Advantages of Joining a Trade Union (2 Marks)
✅ Model Points (Give Any Two)
- Collective bargaining: Negotiating better pay and working conditions with employers.
- Legal support: Providing free legal advice and representation during workplace disputes or disciplinary hearings.
- Protecting rights: Challenging workplace discrimination and ensuring health and safety standards.
- Industrial action: Organising strikes to apply pressure on employers when negotiations fail.
❌ Common Errors
- Vague statements like "they give you a job" (trade unions do not employ you; they protect you once employed).
- Confusing trade unions with charities or government departments.
Question 01.4
Charity Fundraising Methods (2 Marks)
✅ Model Answer (1+1 Mark)
Method (1 mark): Charities can run dedicated charity retail shops where donated goods are sold to the public.
Example (1 mark): For example, Oxfam operates high-street shops selling second-hand clothes, books, and homeware to raise funds for poverty relief.
🧠 How Marks Are Awarded
- 1 mark: Identification of a valid method (e.g. crowdfunding, sponsored events, street collections, online donor links, celebrity endorsements).
- 1 mark: A specific, contextualised example (naming a charity like Cancer Research UK or detailing an exact activity like a sponsored fun run or bake sale).
Question 01.5
Explaining 'Digital Democracy' (2 Marks)
✅ Model Answer (1+1 Mark)
Definition (1 mark): Digital democracy refers to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the internet to increase citizen participation in political debates and democratic processes.
Example (1 mark): For example, citizens can sign or create an official UK Parliament e-petition online to trigger a parliamentary debate on a law.
💡 Other Valid Examples
- Participating in online council consultations.
- Using social media campaigns (e.g. X/Twitter, Instagram) to debate policy with elected MPs.
- Online voting in party leadership ballots or union elections.
Question 01.6
Examine Actions to End Child Labour (8 Marks)
💡 Linking Source A to Citizen Actions
- Fast Fashion & Brand Pressure: Source mentions Nike, H&M, Primark. Citizens can boycott these brands or use ethical consumerism (buying Fairtrade/sustainable clothes).
- Lack of Factory Checks: Citizens can lobby brands and write letters to head offices demanding unannounced independent audits.
- Poverty: Citizens can donate to or volunteer for NGOs (e.g. UNICEF, Save the Children) that build schools and provide family income support.
- Government Action: Setting up an e-petition or lobbying MPs to introduce legislation banning imports made with child labour.
🧠 Level 4 Answer Structure (7-8 Marks)
- Paragraph 1 (Consumer Action): Examine boycotts & ethical purchasing targeting fast-fashion brands named in Source A. Weigh up impact vs. limitations.
- Paragraph 2 (Democratic & Political Action): Examine e-petitions, lobbying MPs, and calling for import regulations under the Modern Slavery framework.
- Paragraph 3 (Direct Action & NGOs): Examine peaceful protests outside retail stores and supporting international charities to tackle root-cause poverty.
- Conclusion: Provide a balanced, reasoned judgement on which action is most effective.
✅ High-Scoring Model Paragraph (Consumer Action + Evaluation)
"Source A highlights that high demand for fast fashion drives brands like Primark and Nike to use factories that violate child labour laws. One direct action UK citizens can take is a consumer boycott, refusing to buy clothes from these retailers and publicising this on social media. This exerts direct financial pressure on corporate profits, forcing companies to enforce stricter, independent factory audits. However, boycotts are only effective if mass public participation is achieved; isolated boycotts rarely affect multinational bottom lines. Therefore, citizens must combine boycotts with purchasing certified Fairtrade products to reward ethical supply chains."
❌ Examiner Commentary: What Loses Marks?
- Ignoring Source A: Failing to mention facts from the source (e.g. fast fashion, poverty, named brands, lack of factory checks) restricts the answer to Level 2 (max 4 marks).
- Pure Description without Citizen Action: Simply describing how terrible child labour is without explaining concrete citizenship methods (petitions, lobbying, boycotts, pressure groups).
- No Conclusion: To access Level 4 (7-8 marks), candidates must provide a coherent, developed conclusion evaluating which actions are most likely to succeed in the long term.
Topics
3.2 Life in modern Britain · 3.4 Politics and participation · 3.5 Active citizenship · 3.2.5 How can citizens make their voice heard and make a difference in society? · 3.4.5 How can citizens try to bring about political change? · 3.5.1 Citizenship action – the actions of others
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies examination, Paper 1, June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.