Exam Technique Flashcards
How to answer Question 1-
Describe Two Features of…
-Identify one valid feature (+1 mark)
-Give supporting evidence (+1 mark)
‘For example…’
-Do this twice for two features and supporting evidence for each. This evidence should be specific and relevant.
How to answer Question 2a-
How useful are sources A and B for an enquiry into…
-This question needs two paragraphs, one assessing the usefulness of source A and the other assessing the usefulness of source B using this structure:
Content- what information does the source give that is relevant to the enquiry topic and explain why it is useful. Use a quote from a written source or feature of a photo.
Historical Knowledge- use your own knowledge to provide evidence to prove or disprove the accuracy or usefulness of the source.
Provenance- how does the source’s background affect its accuracy and usefulness. This includes its date, author, type of source or purpose.
Usefulness- use the words from the question to give a clear answer and stay relevant to the enquiry topic. Make a clear overall judgement on the sources usefulness.
How to answer Question 2b-
How could you follow up source A/B to find out more about…
Detail in source A/B that I would follow up (+1 mark)
-Select a detail from the source’s content that could be followed up
Question I would ask (+1 mark)
-Think of a detail based on the detail you have selected. Pick a question relevant to the enquiry topic.
What type of source I could use (+1 mark)
-Identify an appropriate source that will give an answer to your question.
-This should be as specific as possible- vague answers such as ‘newspaper’ or ‘diary’ are not awarded marks.
How this might help answer my question (+1 mark)
-Identify the sort of information you could find in your proposed source and explain how this would help to answer your question
How to answer Question 3-
Explain one way in which X was similar/different to Y
-This question asks for either a difference or similarity regarding a particular topic or between two distinct time periods. It should be structured like this:
Argument (+1 mark)
-Use the words from the question to give a clear answer
-‘One way in which X is similar/different to Y is…’
Explain first time period (+1 Mark)
-Identify the relevant feature/characteristic
-Explain using precise historical evidence
-Start with ‘For example…’
Explain second time period (+1 mark)
-Identify the relevant feature/characteristic
-Explain using precise historical evidence
-Start with ‘Similarly/Whereas…’
Link back to question (+1 mark)
-Use words from the question to give a clear answer
-‘Overall, this is why X and Y were similar/different’
Hot to answer Question 4-
Explain why…
-This question needs three PEEL paragraphs, one on each prompt and another on your own idea.
Point-
-Use the words in the words from question to provide a clear answer.
-‘One reason for (wording of question) is…’
Evidence
-Provide relevant precise, historical evidence (stats, places, names, events, dates etc).
Explain
-Using the evidence, explain why this factor led to the event in the question.
Link
-Use the words from the question to provide a clear answer and summary to the paragraph.
-Throughout the question, keep a consistent line of reasoning and keep linking back to the question to maintain a clear argument.
How to answer question 5/6-
(Statement) How far do you agree?
-This question needs three PEEL paragraphs, one on each prompt and another on your own idea. It also requires a judgement on each factor and the overall statement.
Introduction
-A couple of sentences describing your argument and a brief summary of the three points you are using.
Point-
-Use the words in the words from question to provide a clear answer.
-‘One reason for (wording of question) is…’
Evidence
-Provide relevant precise, historical evidence (stats, places, names, events, dates etc).
Explain
-Using the evidence, explain why this factor led to the event in the question.
Link
-Use the words from the question to provide a clear answer and summary to the paragraph.
Conclusion
-Briefly explain how far you agree with the statement and why.
