1. 1. To know how to answer a 16-mark essay question to a high standard.
Exam Technique
Learning Objective:
1. To know how to answer a 16-mark essay question to a high standard.

2. Recap time…

3. Analysis Time…
Step 1:
Write out this list in order of importance. 1 is the most important cause. 5 is the least important.
Step 2 (Basic):
Write a paragraph explaining your number one choice.
Write a paragraph explaining your number five choice.
Step 2 (Higher):
Write a paragraph explaining why you ranked the five causes in that order. Make links and comparisons between causes.
Step 3: Be ready to discuss your views!
Look at these causes of the USA entering the Vietnam War:
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
Diem’s actions
Fear of Communism spreading
Cold War rivalry with other countries
The French defeat at Diem Bien Phu

4. Exam Question Time…
‘The main reason for America getting involved in the Vietnam War was the failure of Diem’s government.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 16 marks + 4 SPaG
How would you go about answering this question? T-P-S.

5. Your Task
Step 1: Look back at the 16-marker you did for homework. Re-read it and my comments. Think about what you need to do better. Step 2: Plan your answer to today’s question. Make sure it’s balanced and includes lots of precise information. Step 3: You will have 20 minutes to write out your answer in full!

6. Plan
Introduction - There were a number of reasons why America got involved in the Vietnam war – Diem’s actions were important but I will now look at others and decide which was most important.
1) –Section on Diem
2) Section on one of the others
3) Section on a third section (if time)
4) Conclusion – which is most important and why?
‘The main reason for America getting involved in the Vietnam War was the failure of Diem’s government.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
16 marks + 4 SPaG

7. Mark your own work… Level Description Marks available Marks awarded 1
‘The main reason for America getting involved in the Vietnam War was the failure of Diem’s government.’
How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
16 marks + 4 SPaG
Level
Description
Marks available
Marks awarded 1
You have described one factor (e.g. Diem’s actions) in basic detail. You might have also given a simple description of other factors, to get to the top of level 1.
1-4 2
You have described one factor in greater detail e.g. who Diem was, mistakes he made and why his government was unpopular. But not explained any other reasons.
5-8 3
You have described the reason stated (Diem’s actions) and other reasons in a good amount of detail. You have also written a short conclusion which answers the question with your own judgement.
9-12 4
You have described more than one reason in depth and have also started to explain how events link together. You have written a conclusion which makes a final judgement on how important each factor was and proved which was more important.
13-16
SPaG
Give yourself some extra SPaG marks. 1 = frequent spelling and grammar mistakes. 2 = occasional mistakes. 3 = just one mistake. 4 = no mistakes.
Total marks awarded….
/ 20