Explain what an historian can learn…  

1.        Read the Source and find thing points.   Make sure that AT LEAST TWO ARE INFERENCES/ DEDUCTIONS.  

2.        Make sure they are about the topic specified (important)

3.        You will need to explain how you made that inference.

Important – do NOT use the word ‘reliable’ AT ALL in this answer.

1.      Draft out a quick plan of the ‘points to remember’ at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper).

2.      Write two paragraphs on the QUANTITY of information (explaining WHAT the source tells you and EXPLAIN how useful this information is for historians - particularly explaining useful for what).

3.      Write one paragraph about the QUALITY of the information provided (how trustworthy the source is. i.e. how reliable – but do NOT use that word) and then EXPLAIN how this affects its usefulness for an historian.   Get ideas about its usefulness by looking at WHO wrote it ('origin') and WHY he wrote it ('purpose').   It is discussion of purpose that gets you to level 3.

4.   Finish with a judgement.   Note that the question is asking 'how useful' it is, not just how it is useful.

6 marks

1.        Are you sure what the question is asking you to compare - content only, differences only, or the sources as a whole?

2.       You MUST MENTION BOTH SOURCES when making comparisons.

3.     Start by looking at the surface content only - find two clear points.

4.     Find one or two points relating to the approach, emphasis or, tone of the passage.

1.     Draft out a quick plan of the ‘things to say’ at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper).

2.       You MUST MENTION BOTH SOURCES in your answer.

3.     Find two or three good ideas relating to the provenance - eg WHEN they were written, WHO the authors were (origin) and the CONTEXT (situation) of the authors when they wrote.

4.     Look at the content of the sources and get at least one good idea relating to WHY the author wrote it ('purpose').   It is discussion of purpose that gets you to level 3.

5.     More each point, make sure you EXPLAIN clearly how this led to the two sources being different.

6.     Finish with a conclusion

1.        Draft out a quick plan of points you might say at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper). 

2.        Are you sure what the question is asking you to explain - e.g. 'explain how' is different to 'explain why', 'explain how much' and 'explain whether'?

3.    Select your three or four main points.   Where you have lots more points (e.g. where you know 8 reasons why), dispose of all the minor points quickly in an opening paragraph.

4.    The key to doing well in this question is to explaIn your key points.   Explain HOW this idea is an answer to the question you were asked.  

5.       But also be sure to DEVELOP YOUR POINTS by using FACTS and OWN KNOWLEDGE to explain different aspects of/ contextualise/ support/ exemplify your points.

6.     LINK your points together, both from one paragraph to the next, but also from one point to another.   Use words such as 'so', 'therefore', 'consequently', 'moreover'.   Develop an ARGUMENT, and make sure your answer doesn't look like just a set of different points.  

7.     Finish with a judgement.

What can an historian learn…  

1.      Do this question quickly and efficiently

2.      Read the Source and find THREE FACTS – you can even copy them as bullet points.

3.      Make sure they are about the topic specified (important)

4.      Facts OR inferences will count, but inferences need a bit of explanation as to how you made that inference.

Describe…  

What…  

1.        Draft out a quick plan of the ‘points to remember’ at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper).

2.        Are you sure what the question is asking you to describe?

3.        Make sure you check that you are answering for the right dates.

4.        Earn the six marks – should be about 200-250 words and include factual detail/ names/ dates/ quotes etc.

5.        The key to doing well in this question is the quantity and precision of your knowledge about the event/thing you are describing.   Make sure you know in detail about at least these topics.

Explain (using a source)...

1.        Draft out a quick plan of points you might say at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper). 

2.        Are you sure what the question is asking you to explain - eg 'explain how' is different to 'explain why', 'explain how much' and 'explain whether'?

3.    Select your two or three main points.   Where you have lots more points (eg where you know 8 reasons why), dispose of all the minor points quickly in an opening paragraph.

4.    The key to doing well in this question is to explaIn your key points.   Explain HOW this idea is an answer to the question you were asked.  

5.       But also be sure to DEVELOP YOUR POINTS by using FACTS and OWN KNOWLEDGE to explain different aspects of/ contextualise/ support/ exemplify your points.

6.     LINK your points together, both from one paragraph to the next, but also from one point to another.   Use words such as 'so', 'therefore', 'consequently', 'moreover'.   Develop an ARGUMENT, and make sure your answer doesn't look like just a set of different points.  

7.     Finish with a judgement.

Was...

Did...

NOTE that sometimes the last question, which carries 15 marks, is just a straightforward EXPLAIN question (do as above).

However, sometimes it asks you to make a judgement between two possibilities (ie 'explain whether').   In such a case, answer like this:

1.        Draft out a quick plan of things you might say at the top of the question (do this on the answer paper, not on a spare piece of paper).

2.       Start with a paragraph saying that some things can be said for idea 1: explain two or three ways it might be said to be the correct answer.  

        Follow with a paragraph saying that some things can be said for idea 2: explain two or three ways it might be said to be the correct answer.  

        Finish with a conclusion/ judgement weighing and explaining your decision - consider things that might be said against the two ideas.

3.    The key to doing well in this question is to explaIn your key points.   Explain HOW this idea is an answer to the question you were asked.  

4.       But also be sure to DEVELOP YOUR POINTS by using FACTS and OWN KNOWLEDGE to explain different aspects of/ contextualise/ support/ exemplify your points.

5.     LINK your points together, both from one paragraph to the next, but also from one point to another.   Use words such as 'so', 'therefore', 'consequently', 'moreover'.   Develop an ARGUMENT, and make sure your answer doesn't look like just a set of different points.  

6.     Finish with a judgement.