Why did Stalin emerge as leader of the USSR in 1929? L/O – To plan and draft an essay on the above enquiry question

Organising evidence 1 The first task today is to analyse the views of other historians in order to finish your essay research. Read the 8 sources on the hand-out and categorise the sources into one of the five categories. Complete questions 2, 3 and 4 once finished.

Organising evidence 2 Have a look at the 21 cards on the hand-out. Five of the cards are paragraph headings. They represent the main points or claims which directly answer the essay question. The other cards represent points or evidence which support the main points and claims.

Organising evidence 2 Find the main points and arrange them in a row. Then find the supporting points that go with each main point and put them in the correct column. Which are the most important reasons? Choose nine cards that you think are the most important and arrange them in the shape of a diamond. Most important at top, next most important on 2nd line etc…

Planning the essay Now its time to start planning your essay – Why did Stalin emerge as leader of the USSR in 1929? Introduction – should discuss the question, contain background context, mention the various historical views and you must state your thesis. Paragraphs – should start with a claim sentence setting out one of the claims from your thesis. You should then use logic and evidence (explanation and examples) to substantiate your claim. Finish with a concluding sentence that links to next paragraph. Conclusion – restate your thesis/main argument or even challenge assumptions of question for L7. You could even restate your thesis in relation to the various historical interpretations state in your introduction.

Mark Scheme Paper 2 exam has two essays of 20 marks each. You need to aim for 13-15 marks per essays to reach a Level 6-7. Answers clearly focused on question. Relevant historical evidence is applied as evidence. Critical analysis using evidence is present. Events are placed in historical context. May be some awareness of historiography and views of other historians. Answers are structured using relevant evidence to support arguments.