How to tackle the 4 mark comparison questions

Learning objective – to be able to improve responses to a 4 mark Comparison question. I can describe key factors. Grade 3 I can explain the significance of key factors. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the degree of significance of key factors. Grade 9

Explain one way in which weapons in English armies in the English Civil War [1642-49] were different to those in the Crimean War [1851-56]. Explain one way in which the composition of the English army was in the Hundred Years War [1337-1453] to those in the English Civil War [1642-49]. [4 marks]

Rainbow mark this paragraph, highlighting the following – - The big point - The different time periods in separate colours. - Detailed examples The composition of the English armies in both the Hundred Years War and the English Civil War had a number of common features shared between them. Firstly, both armies were dominated in number by infantry soldiers. At the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, for example, around 80% of the English army was made up of skilled infantry soldiers who were armed with longbows and were decisive in the battle’s outcome. The majority of battles in the English Civil War, around 75% of the armies for both Parliament and the Royalists were made of infantry skilled in pikes and muskets. Secondly, another common feature is that both armies had a significant number of cavalry soldiers who tended to come from the upper classes of society and remained the second largest component of the English army. Also, cavalry roles between the two eras had similarities as both the battles at Agincourt and Naseby saw significant cavalry charges towards the enemy lines.

Key points to consider Make sure you focus on the demands of the question. Identify one similarity or difference to explain. Remember to tie your knowledge to the question. In this case use details to compare and explain. Remember your answer only needs two paragraphs – a short introduction and then a explanatory paragraph. Your short introduction should only be a sentence and include the big point – the similarity or difference you are going to explain. The explanatory paragraph must contain the big point and how it is relevant to the question and then detailed evidence to support and explain your big point.

How did the Norfolk Marriage Plot spark rebellion? The discovery of the Norfolk marriage plot led to Norfolk being sent to the Tower. The earls of Northumberland and Westmorland feared arrest and decided to launch their planned rebellion anyway. On 8th November, the Earls ordered their tenants to join in with their rebellion to restore Catholicism in England. They marched on Durham Cathedral, expelling James Pilkington and destroying any evidence of Protestantism and held Mass.

How was the government able to defeat the Northern Rebellion? Why did it fail? Earls were poor leaders Unclear aims – replace Elizabeth or just free Mary? Limited support Effective government reaction

What was the significance of the Northern Rebellion? It was the first and most serious rebellious act by English Catholics. The lack of domestic support for the rebels as well as the eventual size of the Royal army demonstrated the popularity of Elizabeth. It led to harsher treatment of English Catholics, such as \the Earl of Huntingdon’s measures in surpressing Catholicism in the north. The revolt encouraged Pope Pius VI to excommunicate Elizabeth. His papal Bull not only excommunicated Elizabeth but also encouraged her assassination. This marked a turning point in the relationship between Elizabeth and Catholics, who now became a greater threat to her.

Plenary – a touch of Scrabble The mystery word that relates to this lesson is worth ...... 12 points ..... Using the Scrabble score card, can you work out which word it is?