exam technique

Question 1

How do I answer…?

Describe/what questions (4 marks)

Answer 1

• Four clear points about whatever you’ve been asked to describe.
• Accurate detail needed.

Question 2

How do I answer…?

Explain (6)

Answer 2

• Three explained points about whatever you’ve been asked to explain.
• E.g.: “One reason was… This means that…”

Question 3

How do I answer…?

How far…? (10)

Answer 3

• Each paragraph is like an explain question
• You need a balanced answer (two paragraphs)
• End with a conclusion that directly answers the question and is explained.

Question 4

How do I answer…?

Reliability questions.

Answer 4

• Use the 3x because rule “This source is reliable because… Also because… However, it’s not reliable because…”
• Explain both what is an isn’t reliable about the source
• Reach a conclusion about HOW FAR the source is reliable
• E.g. “This source is reliable as it… This is reliable because…”

Question 5

How do I answer…?

Useful questions.

Answer 5

• 3x because rule: “This source is useful because… Also because… However, it’s not useful because…”
• Explain what is and isn’t useful
• Explain your ideas, e.g. “This source is useful as it… This is useful because…”
• Conclude HOW FAR the source is useful

Question 6

How do I answer…?

Message of the cartoon questions

Answer 6

• Message: what the artist of the cartoon is trying to say
• Your first line should directly answer the question, e.g.: “The message of this cartoon is…”
• Develop this by using specific detail from the cartoon, e.g. “This is shown by…”
• Add to your answer by adding your own knowledge.
• Finish your answer by directly answering the question, “Therefore it’s clear the message is… because…”

Question 7

How do I answer…?

How similar/different questions

Answer 7

• Compare the content of the sources
• Compare the messages of the sources
• Compare the purpose of the sources
• You need two paragraphs (similarities and differences)
• Reach a judgement on HOW FAR the sources are similar/different

Question 8

How do I answer…?

How far does a source prove questions

Answer 8

• To judge whether a source can prove anything, you need to consider the content of the source, the context (type, purpose, language) of the source and your own knowledge (e.g. if the source is accurate or typical).
• Consider how the source can/can’t prove
• Conclude HOW FAR the source proves something.

Question 9

How do I answer…?

Surprised questions

Answer 9

• Your first line should directly answer the question, e.g.: “I am/not surprised by this source.”
• Develop this by using specific detail from the source, e.g. “I am/not surprised by…”
• Add to your answer by adding your own knowledge or cross-referencing to another source, e.g. “This is/not surprising because…”
• Finish your answer by directly answering the question, “Therefore, this source is/not surprising because…”

Question 10

How do I answer…?

Assertion/16 mark question

Answer 10

• This is like a knowledge ‘how far’ question, but you use sources as evidence, as well as your own knowledge.
• You need to have a balanced answer, e.g. for/against, another factor than the one in the question
• Use PEEL paragraphs to help you structure your answer. PEEL = point, evidence, explain, link back to question.
• Reach a conclusion that directly answers the question and is explained.