1. Do you agree with the message in the source?
Type of Question
Paper
Marks
% of Exam
Time
Structure
How to Get
Full Marks
Describe X
Paper 1 4
20%
5-7
minutes
NO INTRODUCTION-- start your response with a topic sentence to stay focused on the question and narrate your 3 points.
You need at least 2-3 detailed relevant accurate points. Focus on the specifics of the question and narrate the story in as much detail as you can.
Do you agree with the message in the source? 6
30%
minutes
State whether you agree or disagree with the hypothesis about the source
Agree/Disagree with hypothesis
Conclusion: Answer the question and explain your thinking
You must analyze and evaluate the source using your own knowledge. Answer the question– Do you agree with the hypothesis or not?
There is ALWAYS an ulterior motive behind the source (NEVER accept the source at face value!). The key is to think about the provenance of the source (who produced it) and its purpose (the real reasons why it was produced).
Use the source and your own knowledge to reach a valid argument (agree or disagree). SPaG is important and use key terms whenever possible!
X or Y? 10
50%
15-17 minutes
Intro – set up X or Y debate
Assess X/Y (as a cause for the event)
Conclusion- answer the question (which was more important)
You need to cover both X and Y in detail and develop your ideas. Do not describe! Focus on explaining how X/Y led to Z.
Make sure you explicitly and convincingly answer the question in the form of an argument.
REMEMBER- it’s OK to argue that both X and Y are important!
What does the source suggest?
Paper 2
Section A 5%
5- 7 minutes
NO INTRODUCTION– start your response straight away. List and explain your inferences.
This question forces you to “read between the lines.” You are being asked to make inferences. Go beyond the obvious and take your thinking to the next level.
To get full marks include at least 3 inferences that are clearly explained.
Explain X. 9%
Start with a simple sentence restating what the AQA wants you to explain. Then explain your 2-3 points in detail.
You need to explain 2 or more points in detail. SPaG is important. Use key terms whenever possible.
How useful is the source?
10 +
3 SPaG
19%
Nature- type of source
Origin – who produced the source?
Purpose – why was it produced?
Link both the usefulness of the source and its limitations to its origin and purpose. Support your ideas with your own knowledge.
Conclusion- Is the source useful? Why or why not?
This is the same skill you were asked to do on CA #1.
The key to maximizing marks is to focus on the origin of the source (where the source is coming from) and its purpose (why was it produced). Analyze and evaluate its usefulness (values) and limitations (why it’s not useful). Be sure to answer the question– was it useful or not?
SPaG is especially important as it is being counted twice! Use key terms whenever possible.
Why did X happen?
Section B 8
12%
12-14 minutes
Start with a simple sentence restating what the AQA wants you to explain. Then explain at least 2 points in detail.
This question tests your ability to understand causation (why did something happen). You need to explain at least two reasons why X happened in detail. SPaG is important. Use key terms whenever possible.
Section C
Start with a simple sentence restating what the AQA wants you to explain. Then explain at least two relevant and detailed points.
You must explain 2 or more points in detail. SPaG is important. Use key terms whenever possible.
Statement X. Do you agree?
Sections B and C
12 +
43%
18-20 minutes
Introduction – restate the question.
Assess reasons supporting statement
Assess reasons against statement
Conclusion- Answer the question (do you agree that X was main cause of Y?)
Response contains at least 3 points that are detailed. Response is balanced (evaluates both sides) and contains a convincing argument.
SPaG is especially important. Use key terms whenever possible.