What were superpower relations like during the ‘Thaw’? Very good relationship Very bad relationship

The unit 3 exam Key info: 2 hour exam Two essays (there will be a choice for each) Part (a): Analytical essay [30 marks] Part (b): Source/knowledge essay (historical controversy) [40 marks]

Doing well in part (a) Before you write: Unpack the question: What’s it asking? Work out the CONCEPTUAL aspect of the question (e.g. causation, change, consequence etc..) Plan, plan, plan, BEFORE you write You have about 50 minutes to complete part (a)

Unit 3 Part A The Depth Question Advice from the chief examiner Unit 3 Part A The Depth Question

What is the Depth Question?  Based on 4 designated areas: (a) the post-Stalin decade (b) the arms race (c) Sino-Soviet relations (d) Détente

What is the Depth Question?  On the exam paper there will be TWO Depth Questions but you are required to answer only ONE of them  Your answer will be based on your own knowledge – there are NO sources

What is the Depth Question?  The maximum mark for the Depth Question is 30  5 minutes planning and 50 minutes writing  You should aim to write words

How to keep the Examiner happy  Clear structure  Analysis  Range

What is the Depth Question?  Two types of Depth Question 1.An analysis of the causes or causes and consequences of a historical event or episode 2.A judgement about the significance of a key event, individual or development

How to keep the Examiner happy  Detailed own knowledge  Addresses the question set  An explicit judgement

How to annoy your Examiner  ‘Stream of consciousness’  Topic NOT the issue  Lack of supporting evidence

How to annoy your Examiner  Prepared answers  ‘Name-dropping’  Failure to reach a judgement

Lessons from the last exam  Detailed subject knowledge  Time frame  Analysis not description

In summary… 1.Keep an explicit focus on the question (use the words of the Q in every paragraph) 2.Good range and depth of supporting info 3.Explicitly link supporting information back to the question 4.Make it a balanced answer 5.A good conclusion: Draw on the points you’ve made and reach a judgement. You ABSOLUTELY MUST DO THIS!

‘Between 1953 and 1961, US-Soviet relations were based on confrontation rather than coexistence.’ How far do you agree with this view? (30 marks)