GCSE Pictorial Guide to Exam Technique Paper 2: Russia and Germany Exam Technique Paper 1: and WW1 Exam Technique General Advice The following rules apply to all questions: 1.Read the exam paper carefully. This includes both the instructions on the front and the questions. 2.Manage your time well (one minute per mark, plus a little for reading and planning) 3.Write as legibly as possible. Slow down if you have to. Illegible script = very grumpy examiner. 4.Always answer the question. This requires careful reading and constant reference back to the question 5.‘SOK’ it to the examiner, with Specific Own Knowledge. There is no substitute for genuine facts. Learn the stuff! 6.Read through your answers at the end, and correct them as necessary

Paper 1: and WW1 Section A ( ): 2 x 25 marks (35 minutes each) (Option W) Do exactly what it says on the can Make a clear judgement Don’t waste time on this This is a sanity-test question Exam Technique Question TypeTechniquesTips (a)What does Source A tell us about x? 3 Put three points briefly into your own words (b)Describe how z happened 6 This is the only place where it is absolutely right to tell a story! Lots of dates and facts. (c) How accurate is the view given in Source B about x? 6 ‘Mostly’ or ‘Partly’ accurate or inaccurate. Cover both sides, but major on the best. (d)[Which incident - x or y - had more significance for z] 10 Show how both events were significant for this, but then show one was more so (e.g. because it caused the other, set a precedent, involved direct confrontation) Caption When using the Source, the caption is most helpful Never fully agree or disagree Caption Play mixed doubles: source and own knowledge on both sides (positive and negative) Link together ‘analysis’ and ‘happenings’ and vice versa

Section B (WW1): 1 x 25 marks (35 minutes) (Option Y) Do exactly what it says on the can Don’t waste time on this This is a sanity-test question Paper 1: and WW1 Exam Technique Caption When using the Source, the caption is most helpful Never fully agree or disagree Caption Play mixed doubles: source and own knowledge on both sides (positive and negative) Caption Question TypeTechniquesTips (a)What does Source A tell us about x? 3 Put three points briefly into your own words (b)Why was this poster distributed in World War One? 6 Poster is usually encouraging joining-up or eating less i.e. before conscription / rationing. (c) How useful is Source C to a historian studying y? 8 Starting point: “Whilst not particularly useful for y, it is useful for z” (d)Do you agree with the interpretation in Source D about z? 8 Starting point: “This interpretation is true to some extent.” The Source isn’t useless. What’s it useful for? Caption

Paper 2: Russia and Germany Exam Technique Section A: 45 marks (1 Hour) Caption Do exactly what it says on the can When using the Source, the caption is most helpful The Source isn’t useless. What’s it useful for? Play mixed doubles: source and own knowledge on both sides (positive and negative) Never fully agree or disagree Make a clear judgement Each paragraph should be PEgEx (Point, Example, Explanation) or I.D.E=A Question TypeTechniquesTips (a)What can you learn from Source A about x? 5 Use a little own knowledge to finish off your answer. (b)How does the content of B and C differ? 6 Finish by using source (caption) briefly to explain differences. (c)How useful is C to a historian studying y? 9 Starting point: “Whilst not particularly useful for y, it is useful for z” (d)Do you agree with the interpretation in Source D about z? 10 Starting point: “This interpretation is true to some extent.” (e)Use your own knowledge to … (mini-essay) 15 Make 3 developed (points that answer the question. Link them, and back up your judgement. Don’t waste time on this

Paper 2: Russia and Germany Exam Technique Section B: 30 marks (45 minutes) Do exactly what it says on the can Don’t use the caption Make a clear judgement Each paragraph should be PEgEx (Point, Example, Explanation) or I.D.E.=A Don’t waste time on this Question TypeTechniquesTips (a)What does Source A tell us about x? 3 Put three points briefly into your own words (b)Use Source B and own knowledge to explain y 7 Don’t forget to use the source (content rather than caption). Process numbers - don’t copy. (c)Describe how z happened 5 This is the only place where it is absolutely right to tell a story! Lots of dates and facts. (d) or (e) Use your own knowledge to … (mini-essay) 15 Make 3 developed (PEgEx) points that answer the question. Link them, and back up your judgement. Caption This is a sanity-test question