GCSE HISTORYPictorial Guide to

Exam Technique

Paper 2: Russia and Germany

Exam Technique

FOURTH YEAR

General Advice

The following rules apply to all questions:

1. Read the exam paper carefully.

2. Manage your time well (one minute per mark, plus a little for reading and planning)

3. Write as legibly as possible. Slow down if you have to. Illegible script = very grumpy examiner.

4. Always answer the question. This requires careful reading and constant reference back to the question

5. ‘SOK’ it to the examiner, with Specific Own Knowledge. There is no substitute for genuine facts. Learn the stuff!

6. Read through your answers at the end, and correct them as necessary

HISTORY EXAM SURVIVAL GUIDE

Paper 2: Russia and GermanyExam Technique

Section A: 45 marks (1 Hour)

Caption

Caption

Caption

Caption

Do exactly what it says on the can

When using the Source, the caption is most helpful

The Source isn’t useless. What is it useful for?

Play mixed doubles: source and own knowledge on both sides (positive and negative)

Never fully agree or disagree

Make a clear judgement

Each paragraph should be PEgEx (Point, Example, Explanation) or I.D.E=A

Question Type Techniques Tips

(a)

What can you learn from Source A about x?

5

3 things from source extended with an inference (this meant that) - own knowledge helps with this.

(b)

How does the content of B and C differ?

6

Wimbledon then one sentence using the source caption to explain why the difference.

(c)

How useful is C to a historian studying y?

9Starting point: “Whilst not particularly useful for y, it is useful for z”

(d)

Do you agree with the interpretation in Source D about z?

10

Starting point: “This interpretation is true to some extent”or “I partially agree.”

(e)

Use your own knowledge to … (mini-essay)

15Make 3 developed points that answer the question. Link them, and back up your judgement.

Don’t waste time on this

Paper 2: Russia and GermanyExam Technique

Section B: 30 marks (45 minutes)

Do exactly what it says on the can

Don’t use the caption

Make a clear judgement

Each paragraph should be PEgEx (Point, Example, Explanation) or I.D.E.=A

Don’t waste time on this

Question Type Techniques Tips

(a)

What does Source A tell us about x?

3Put three points briefly into your own words

(b)

Use Source B and your own knowledge to explain y

7Don’t forget to use the source (content rather than caption). Process numbers - don’t copy.

(c)

Describe how z happened 5

This is the only place where it is absolutely right to tell a story! Lots of dates and facts.

(d) or (e)

Use your own knowledge to … (mini-essay)

15Make 3 developed points that answer the question. Link them, and back up your judgement.

Caption

Caption

This is a sanity-test question