THE EXAM There are 20 questions (1 on each seminar topic) and no sections There are some option exclusions You must answer 3 questions in 3 hours (or 2 in 2 hours if Joint Honours/History & Culture and have submitted a long essay) Scripts (and long essays) are double-marked by a random selection of early modern tutors

REVISION DO Select 5 or 6 topics to revise thoroughly Choose topics that are interlinked Dissect short essays and read around them Look through past papers DON’T Rely on just knowing 3 topics Forget to think about links between topics Just read through short essays Ignore different angles

EXAM TECHNIQUE DO ANSWER THE QUESTION Structure your answer – intro & conclusion Provide supporting evidence – historians’ views, examples Argue a focused but balanced case Give each answer sufficient time DON’T Rattle off all you know or regurgitate Lose sight of the question Be vague Fail to include evidence Argue as if there’s only one point of view Be irrelevant or range out of period Leave too little time for the last question

OTHER TIPS Demonstrate breadth of knowledge (of module themes or different countries) If asked to address a particular aspect don’t spend too long on other aspects unless they link directly to the question Check your facts – dates, rulers etc Markers are impressed by range and specificity (also check Marking Criteria) Markers prefer legible scripts!

First Class (70+) 1. Persuasive and direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of the issues concerned. 2. Comprehensive coverage of the relevant material; accuracy in the details. 3. A direct and coherent argument, well supported by relevant evidence. 4. Critical analysis of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues. 5. Fluent and engaging writing style; persuasive presentation and structuring of arguments. 6. Work which, in addition, displays evidence of creativity, originality, sophistication and freshness of arguments will be awarded marks of 75+ Upper Second (60 – 69) 1. Direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of the issues concerned. 2. Adequate coverage of the relevant material, accuracy in the details. 3. Skilful mobilisation of evidence in relation to the argument being presented. 4. Narrative and description taking second place to analysis. 5. Competent manipulation of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographical perspectives or methodological issues. 6. Fluent writing style; effective presentation and structuring of arguments.

EUROPEAN WORLD ROUNDUP SESSION TUESDAY 13 MAY 12-2 p.m. PHYSICS LECTURE THEATRE