Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended
Certificate in Applied Law
Unit 3: Applying the Law – Expanded Exam Structure & Study
Tips
Section A: Criminal Law
This section covers non-fatal offences such as assault, battery, ABH and GBH. You will need to
demonstrate knowledge of both actus reus and mens rea and consider possible defences. A typical
short answer might ask you to identify the relevant offence in a scenario and explain the law using
at least one case. An extended response question will require deeper analysis of liability, with clear
application of multiple cases and a reasoned conclusion. Tip: Always use the IRAC structure and
apply the law directly to the facts instead of writing about it in the abstract.
Section B: Tort Law
This section usually focuses on negligence, occupiers’ liability and the possible defences. Problem
questions will often ask whether a duty of care exists, requiring you to apply the Caparo test, and
whether a breach has occurred. You will also need to analyse causation and remoteness using
case law. For longer answers, balance arguments from both the claimant and the defendant,
making a clear judgement on who is most likely to succeed. Tip: Always structure answers around
duty, breach and causation, and show awareness of wider policy arguments such as the floodgates
concern.
Section C: Contract Law
Contract law questions will cover how contracts are formed, the terms involved and the remedies
available if a contract is breached. You may face a scenario requiring you to determine whether an
offer and acceptance are valid, or whether exclusion clauses are enforceable. Essay questions
often ask you to critically assess how contract law protects parties in consumer or business
contexts, so reference to both case law and legislation is vital. Tip: Watch out for traps such as
invitations to treat, always apply relevant statutes like the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and conclude
by identifying remedies where appropriate.
Section D: Evaluation & Synoptic Skills
This final section is a synoptic essay worth the highest marks, often around 20. You will be asked to
evaluate how effective the law is in certain areas, which could involve comparing principles from
criminal, tort and contract law. Strong answers do not just describe the law, but assess its
strengths, weaknesses and fairness. Tip: Use synoptic links to connect different areas of law,
include criticisms and reforms, and always provide a balanced conclusion.
Exam Technique Tips
Certificate in Applied Law
Unit 3: Applying the Law – Expanded Exam Structure & Study
Tips
Section A: Criminal Law
This section covers non-fatal offences such as assault, battery, ABH and GBH. You will need to
demonstrate knowledge of both actus reus and mens rea and consider possible defences. A typical
short answer might ask you to identify the relevant offence in a scenario and explain the law using
at least one case. An extended response question will require deeper analysis of liability, with clear
application of multiple cases and a reasoned conclusion. Tip: Always use the IRAC structure and
apply the law directly to the facts instead of writing about it in the abstract.
Section B: Tort Law
This section usually focuses on negligence, occupiers’ liability and the possible defences. Problem
questions will often ask whether a duty of care exists, requiring you to apply the Caparo test, and
whether a breach has occurred. You will also need to analyse causation and remoteness using
case law. For longer answers, balance arguments from both the claimant and the defendant,
making a clear judgement on who is most likely to succeed. Tip: Always structure answers around
duty, breach and causation, and show awareness of wider policy arguments such as the floodgates
concern.
Section C: Contract Law
Contract law questions will cover how contracts are formed, the terms involved and the remedies
available if a contract is breached. You may face a scenario requiring you to determine whether an
offer and acceptance are valid, or whether exclusion clauses are enforceable. Essay questions
often ask you to critically assess how contract law protects parties in consumer or business
contexts, so reference to both case law and legislation is vital. Tip: Watch out for traps such as
invitations to treat, always apply relevant statutes like the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and conclude
by identifying remedies where appropriate.
Section D: Evaluation & Synoptic Skills
This final section is a synoptic essay worth the highest marks, often around 20. You will be asked to
evaluate how effective the law is in certain areas, which could involve comparing principles from
criminal, tort and contract law. Strong answers do not just describe the law, but assess its
strengths, weaknesses and fairness. Tip: Use synoptic links to connect different areas of law,
include criticisms and reforms, and always provide a balanced conclusion.
Exam Technique Tips
