Psychology Mock Results – How to Improve Your Grade
Got Your Psychology Mock Results? Here’s How to Use Them Properly
Mocks can feel intense — especially when the results aren’t what you hoped for. But in AQA Psychology, mock exams are one of the most useful tools you’ll get before the real thing.
What matters most isn’t the grade itself, but what you do next.
Step 1: Don’t Panic About the Grade
Mocks are not predictions. They are practice.
Many students improve by one or even two grades between mocks and the final exam because they use the feedback properly. A lower-than-expected mark doesn’t mean you “can’t do psychology” — it usually means:
Exam technique needs work
Key terms weren’t used precisely enough
Evaluation lacked structure
Time management went wrong
All of these are fixable.
Step 2: Break Down Your Paper (Not Just the Score)
Instead of focusing on the total mark, look at where marks were lost.
Ask yourself:
Did I miss AO1 knowledge (definitions, key studies)?
Was my AO3 evaluation too vague or repetitive?
Did I answer the question asked, or just everything I knew?
Did I run out of time?
Highlight patterns. One weak area repeated across questions is more important than one bad answer.
Step 3: Use AQA Mark Schemes Strategically
AQA mark schemes reward specific phrases and clear structure, not long essays.
Try this:
Rewrite one weak answer using the mark scheme
Add key terms you missed
Practice writing short, accurate paragraphs rather than long ones
For 16-mark questions, focus on:
Clear AO1 paragraphs
Distinct AO3 points (don’t repeat the same criticism)
Linking evaluation back to the question
Step 4: Turn Feedback into a Simple Action Plan
You don’t need to “revise everything”.
Choose three specific targets, for example:
Learn definitions for all key terms in Social Influence
Improve evaluation by using PEEL paragraphs
Practice 16-markers under timed conditions once a week
Small, focused improvements lead to big gains.
Step 5: Remember — Psychology Is a Skill Subject
Psychology isn’t just about memory. It’s about:
Applying knowledge
Using the right terminology
Writing like the examiner expects
That means your grade can improve quickly once technique clicks.
Mocks show you how the exam works, not how capable you are
IELTS Preparation: A Clear, Calm Guide to Success
Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel overwhelming at first. With four skills to master, strict timing, and high expectations, it’s easy to wonder where to begin. The good news is that IELTS is a learnable exam. With the right approach, steady practice, and clear strategies, you can improve your score and feel confident on test day.
This guide will walk you through what IELTS involves, how to prepare effectively, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
What Is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English proficiency test used for:
University study
Professional registration
Immigration and visas
There are two main versions:
Academic IELTS – for university and professional purposes
General Training IELTS – for work and migration
Both versions test the same four skills:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Step 1: Know Your Target Band Score
Before you start preparing, it’s essential to know:
Which version of IELTS you need
What band score is required by your university, employer, or visa authority
Band scores range from 0 to 9, and each half-band matters. A student aiming for Band 6.5 needs a very different strategy from someone aiming for Band 8.
If you’re unsure of your current level, start with a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Step 2: Understand the Test Format
Many candidates lose marks not because their English is weak, but because they don’t fully understand the exam.
Key things to learn early:
Timing for each paper
Question types (especially in Reading and Listening)
Marking criteria for Writing and Speaking
When you know exactly what the examiner is looking for, your practice becomes far more effective.
Step 3: Build Skill-Specific Strategies
Listening
Listening is often the easiest paper to improve.
Focus on:
Predicting answers before you listen
Recognising paraphrasing (the recording rarely uses the same words as the question)
Listening for specific information, not every word
Regular practice with transcripts helps you notice where you lose marks and why.
Reading
IELTS Reading is a time-management test as much as a language test.
Key strategies include:
Skimming for main ideas
Scanning for names, numbers, and keywords
Not spending too long on difficult questions
Remember: you do not need to understand every word to get a high score.
Writing
Writing is often the most challenging paper.
To improve your score, focus on:
Task achievement (answering the question fully)
Clear paragraph structure
Range and accuracy of grammar
Appropriate academic tone (for IELTS Academic)
Memorising model answers is not effective. Instead, learn structures that you can adapt to different questions.
Speaking
The Speaking test is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Examiners assess:
Fluency and coherence
Vocabulary range
Grammar accuracy
Pronunciation
Strong candidates:
Extend their answers naturally
Use examples and explanations
Stay calm, even if they make small mistakes
Regular speaking practice — ideally with feedback — makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Create a Realistic Study Plan
Consistency matters more than long study sessions.
A good IELTS study plan:
Focuses on weak areas first
Includes timed practice
Balances all four skills
Allows time for review and reflection
Even 20–30 minutes a day, used well, can lead to steady improvement.
Common IELTS Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these frequent problems:
Studying grammar without applying it to IELTS tasks
Practising without checking answers properly
Ignoring Writing and Speaking until the end
Taking too many full tests without analysing mistakes
Progress comes from quality practice, not just quantity.
Final Thoughts
IELTS success isn’t about being perfect in English — it’s about understanding the exam and using your English strategically.
With clear goals, the right techniques, and guided practice, you can approach IELTS with confidence and control.
If you’d like structured support, personalised feedback, or calm, step-by-step guidance, IELTS preparation doesn’t have to be stressful.
How To Write A 16mark Essay Question
How to Write a 16-Mark Essay for AQA A-Level Psychology
If you’re studying AQA A-level Psychology, the 16-mark essay can feel daunting. It’s worth a large chunk of your exam, it tests both knowledge and evaluation, and it’s easy to lose marks if your answer isn’t structured clearly.
The good news? There is a reliable method. In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step through how to plan, structure, and write a strong 16-mark essay that examiners are looking for.
1. Understand What the 16 Marks Are Testing
AQA 16-mark essays are almost always split into:
AO1 (Knowledge & Description) – usually 6 marks
AO3 (Evaluation) – usually 10 marks
This means evaluation is weighted more heavily, but the strongest answers interweave AO1 and AO3 rather than separating them completely.
A very effective and examiner-friendly structure is:
AO1 → AO3 → AO1 → AO3
This allows you to demonstrate clear knowledge, immediately evaluate it, and show sustained critical thinking throughout your essay.
2. Start With a Clear Plan (2–3 Minutes)
Planning is not a waste of time — it actually saves time and prevents waffle.
A simple plan should include:
AO1: What key theory, model, or explanation will you outline?
AO3: 3–4 clear evaluation points (e.g. research support, limitations, real-world applications, issues with methodology).
Example plan:
AO1: Outline the cognitive explanation of depression
AO3:
Supporting research
Reductionism
Practical applications
Comparison with another explanation
3. Use the AO1–AO3–AO1–AO3 Formula
Rather than writing all of your AO1 first and all of your AO3 afterwards, many high-mark essays use an alternating structure:
Paragraph 1: AO1 – Outline the first key part of the theory
Paragraph 2: AO3 – Evaluate that part of the theory
Paragraph 3: AO1 – Outline the next key part of the theory
Paragraph 4: AO3 – Evaluate again
This structure helps you:
Stay focused on the question
Avoid long descriptive sections
Show the examiner continuous evaluation
4. How to Write an AO1 Paragraph
Your AO1 paragraph should be clear, accurate, and directly relevant to the question.
A strong AO1 paragraph:
Introduces one key concept, explanation, or component of the theory
Uses correct psychological terminology
Explains ideas clearly without unnecessary detail
Think of AO1 as answering:
What is the theory saying?
5. How to Write an AO3 Paragraph (With Counter-Arguments)
To reach the top mark bands, your AO3 should not just list strengths and weaknesses. Examiners reward answers that show debate, which means including counter-arguments.
A high-level AO3 paragraph follows this structure:
Point → Evidence → Explain → Counter-argument → Link back
Example AO3 Paragraph Structure
Point: One strength of the theory is that it is supported by research evidence.
Evidence: For example, research by Beck found that depressed individuals show negative cognitive biases.
Explain: This supports the theory because it suggests faulty thinking patterns play a key role in depression.
Counter-argument: However, this evidence is correlational, so it cannot establish cause and effect. It may be that depression causes negative thinking rather than the other way around.
Link: Therefore, although research support increases credibility, the explanation may still lack validity.
Including a counter-argument shows the examiner that you can:
Think critically
Evaluate evidence rather than accept it at face value
Engage with psychological debate
Examiners like to see breadth and depth. Useful AO3 points include:
Research support or contradictory evidence
Methodological issues (e.g. cause and effect, self-report bias)
Reductionism vs holism
Determinism vs free will
Real-world applications
Comparisons with other explanations
You don’t need all of these — just choose the ones that best fit the question.
6. Using Counter-Arguments Throughout the Essay
You do not need a counter-argument in every AO3 paragraph, but including at least one or two well-developed counter-arguments can significantly boost your evaluation marks.
Common ways to introduce counter-arguments include:
However…
On the other hand…
This can be criticised because…
An alternative explanation is…
You can also strengthen evaluation by responding to the counter-argument:
Despite this limitation, the theory may still be useful because…
This shows balanced judgement rather than one-sided criticism.
7. Write a Brief Conclusion (Optional but Helpful)
A conclusion is not essential, but a short one can help tie your answer together.
8. Timing and Exam Technique
A good rule of thumb:
16-mark essay = about 20 minutes
Suggested timing:
Plan: 2–3 minutes
AO1: 5 minutes
AO3: 12 minutes
If you’re running out of time, prioritise AO3.
Final Checklist Before You Finish
Before moving on, quickly check:
Have I answered the question directly?
Have I included enough evaluation?
Have I used key psychological terms accurately?
Are my points clearly explained?
Final Thought
Writing a strong 16-mark essay isn’t about writing more — it’s about writing smartly and strategically. With clear structure, focused AO1, and well-developed AO3, you can consistently hit the top mark bands.
If you’d like support practising exam questions or improving your evaluation skills, feel free to get in touch through the website.
How to Write Simple, Professional Emails in English
Communicating clearly in emails is an essential skill in many workplaces, especially when English isn’t your first language. The good news is: professional emails don’t need to be long or complicated. With a few simple tools, you can write messages that feel polite, confident, and easy to understand.
Below are nine practical tips you can start using today.
1. Start with a Warm, Professional Greeting
Begin your email with a greeting that feels friendly but still work-appropriate.
Examples:
Dear Alex,
Hello Maria,
Hi team,
If you don’t know the person well, avoid very casual openings like “Hey”.
2. Use a Simple Opening Line
A short opening sentence helps your email sound natural and polite.
Useful phrases:
I hope you’re well.
Thank you for your message.
Thanks for getting in touch.
These are commonly used in English-speaking workplaces.
3. Keep Sentences Short and Clear
Long sentences are harder to understand — especially for international readers.
Try using one idea per sentence.
Less effective:
I’m writing to ask whether you might possibly have time to look at this document before the end of the day if that’s okay.
Better:
Could you review this document today?
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Clear writing is professional writing.
4. Use Simple Vocabulary
You don’t need complex words to sound intelligent or professional.
Simple language is strong language.
Examples:
help → instead of assist
use → instead of utilise
start → instead of commence
Plain English helps your message land quickly and clearly.
5. Give Clear Actions
If you need something, ask for it directly and politely.
Useful action phrases:
Could you confirm…?
Please send…
Could you let me know by…?
I would appreciate your feedback on…
Confident requests make your email more effective.
6. Use Bullet Points for Organisation
If you have several questions or tasks, bullet points make the message easier to scan.
Example:
Please confirm:
the meeting time
the location
who will attend
Good formatting saves everyone time.
7. Be Polite When Asking for Something
Softening your request helps you sound respectful and natural.
Try:
Could you…?
Would you mind…?
When you have a moment…
This tone makes your emails feel collaborative rather than demanding.
8. End Your Email Calmly and Professionally
Finish with a polite closing line and a professional sign-off.
Closing line examples:
Let me know if you need anything else.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Professional sign-offs:
Kind regards,
Best wishes,
Warm regards,
9. Add a Clear Subject Line
A good subject line helps the reader understand the purpose of your email immediately.
Examples:
Meeting Confirmation — Tuesday 10am
Updated Project File Attached
Question About Today’s Training
Final Thoughts
Writing professional emails in English doesn’t have to feel complicated.
With clear structure, simple language, and the right phrases, you can communicate confidently and calmly at work.
Don’t forget to download your free guide below:
How to Learn New English Words Faster
A gentle guide for English learners
Learning vocabulary doesn’t have to feel difficult or overwhelming. In fact, you can learn new words more easily when you use small, simple techniques that work with your memory instead of against it.
In this guide, you’ll find practical ways to remember words for longer — without spending hours studying.
1. Learn Words in Small Groups, Not Big Lists
Many learners try to memorise long lists of words. But the brain remembers better when information is connected.
✔ Try this instead:
Learn 3–5 related words together.
For example, if your topic is work:
deadline
meeting
schedule
project
These words naturally belong together, so your brain links them.
2. Use the Word in a Real Sentence
Memorising a translation isn’t enough — your brain needs to see the word in action.
✔ Try this:
Write one simple sentence using the new word.
Example:
My project deadline is on Friday.
This helps you remember the word and use it confidently in real situations.
3. Say the Word Out Loud
Speaking activates a different part of your memory.
✔ Try this:
Say the new word three times, slowly and clearly.
Then say your example sentence.
This makes the word feel more “natural” in your mouth.
4. Connect the Word to Your Own Life
You’ll remember a word much better if it means something to you personally.
✔ Try this:
Ask yourself:
“How does this word appear in my life?”
Example:
If the word is schedule, you could connect it to your workday or weekly routine.
This emotional connection helps the word stay in your long-term memory.
5. Review Little and Often
You don’t need long study sessions. Short, frequent reviews are much more effective.
✔ Try this rhythm:
Review the word after 1 day
Review again after 3 days
Review again after 1 week
This matches your brain’s natural forgetting curve — and helps words “stick.”
6. Notice the Word in the Real World
Once you’ve learned a new word, start looking for it in:
emails
conversations
social media
TV shows
signs or menus
When you notice the word naturally, your brain thinks:
“Oh! This word is important.”
And you remember it more easily.
A Gentle Reminder
Learning vocabulary is not about perfection.
It’s about small, steady progress.
If you learn even 3 new words a week, that’s over 150 words a year — and these words will truly stay with you.
Be kind to yourself, and celebrate every small improvement. Your English is growing, word by word.
WHY SPACED REVISING MAKES YOUR MEMORY STRONGER
1. A Gentle Opening
Many people feel frustrated when they forget something they’ve just studied or read. It’s easy to assume you’re “bad at remembering,” but the real issue is usually the method, not your ability. Your brain simply needs a different rhythm — one that works with memory, not against it.
2. What Spaced Revising Actually Is
Spaced revising is a learning technique where you review information at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of trying to remember everything in one long session, you return to the material over time. This gives your brain the space it needs to strengthen neural connections and store information more deeply.
3. Why This Method Works
Spaced revising aligns with the way long-term memory is created. When you revisit information after a delay, your brain rebuilds and strengthens the memory pathway. Over time, these repeated small reviews become strong, lasting knowledge.
The benefits are powerful:
Strengthens long-term memory
Reduces stress and pressure
Improves learning efficiency
Reduces the need for cramming
Builds confidence in what you know
4. How to Use Spaced Revising
Step 1: Learn the material once
Start with a short, focused session — even 15 minutes is enough.
Step 2: Review after a short break
A quick 5–10 minute review helps stabilise the memory.
Step 3: Review again the next day
This begins the process of strengthening the memory.
Step 4: Review after a longer gap
Try a 3-day gap, then a 1-week gap, then a 2-week gap.
Each interval strengthens the memory more deeply.
5. A Realistic Example You Can Follow
Here is a simple spaced revision plan you can use for any skill:
Day 1: Learn the idea or skill
Day 2: Quick review
Day 4: Review again
Day 7: Review again
Day 14: Final review
Each review only needs a few minutes — it’s the spacing, not the time spent, that matters.
6. A Gentle Conclusion
Learning doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. When you space your revising instead of forcing it, your brain has the time it needs to store information calmly and effectively. Small, steady reviews lead to stronger, more confident memory.