FINDING A “PATHWAY” THROUGH ASSESSMENT

UNIT HI2 : ESSAY QUESTIONS

TARGETS

• You will be required to answer one essay question from a choice of three within your Period study. (You are guaranteed a question on each topic within the unit, so you do not need to learn all three.)

• In this question you will be required to show knowledge and understanding of the topic, to discuss a variety of historical explanations and reach a supported judgement, and furthermore to evaluate an interpretation of an historical event.
  
  In level 1 , candidates will produce a one sided argument, with limited consideration of the interpretation in the question.
  
  In level 2 , there will be some attempt at reaching an historical judgement in the context of the interpretation and the topic.
  
  In level 3 , there will be a balanced judgement and appreciation of the interpretation.
  
  In level 4 , there will be sustained historical judgement, together with a convincing discussion of the validity of the interpretation.
  
  By using the above approach you will have found a pathway to level 4, as long as you have the ability to express yourself clearly, whilst at the same time supporting your arguments with the appropriate information. You will have thus achieved quality of response.

• You will be given 45 minutes to answer the question

QUESTION FORMAT

• The question will present you with a quotation usually from an historian which gives you an interpretation of the topic studied. You will then be required to challenge this interpretation, to offer alternative interpretations, and to reach an overall judgement, which takes into account the original view presented in the question. In so doing, you will assess the validity of the quotation and its author.