1. History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.
External Assessment
Paper 1 Exam
Anyone who believes you can’t change history has never tried to write his memoirs.
David Ben Gurion
History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.
Winston Churchill

4. Question #1 - Comprehension
Two Part Question (5 points)
First Part – Worth 3 points
Second Part – Worth 2 points
Asks you to identify the significance or implication of a source
Identify 3/2 distinct significances or implications to get full marks
Make these clear by using words like “First…”
Answer the question as if the reader does not know anything about the topic
Keep your answers short and to the point
Try to use vocabulary associated with the period or the topic in order to indicate that you have background knowledge
When referring to a cartoon or map, make explicit reference to it
Do not quote from the excerpt
Do not bother bringing in outside knowledge

5. Question #2 - Evaluation
4 point Question
Asks you to identify the Origin, Purpose, Content, Value and Limitation of one source
Explicitly use the words Origin, Purpose, Content, Value and Limitation
Briefly state the origin and purpose in each sentence, but give more detail about the value and limitations
Focus your evaluation of the source’s value and limitations on the source’s origin
Do not bring in outside information
Do not merely state facts about the document
Do not make categorical statements about the value or limitations of a document. You answers must be more specific to the document in question.
Example: Do not just claim that a document’s limitation is that it is a translation, excerpt or secondary source. Make sure to explain why you state this

6. Question #2 - Evaluation
Ask the following questions of a document:
Who created the source and why? Was it created on the spur of the moment, a routine transaction, or a thoughtful, deliberate process?
Did the recorder have first hand knowledge of the event or did the recorder report what others saw and heard?
Was the recorder a neutral party or did the recorder have opinions or interests that might have influenced what was recorded?
Did the recorder produce the source for personal use, for an individual, or for a larger audience?
Was the source meant to be public or private?
Did the recorder wish to inform or persuade others? Did the recorder have reasons to be dishonest?
Was the information recorded during the event, immediately after, or after some lapse of time? How long of a lapse?

7. Question #2 - Evaluation
The focus of the question is on the value and limitations of the source. If only value or limitations are discussed, award a maximum of [2].
Origin, purpose and content should be used as supporting evidence to make relevant comments on the value and limitations.
For [4] there must be at least one reference to each of them in the value AND the limitations.

8. Question #3- Analysis 6 point Question
Asks you to compare and contrast two documents
Use a highlighter and/or pen to notate the sources
2 specific similarities and 2 specific differences is okay, but 3 is ideal
Devote one paragraph to similarities and one paragraph to differences
The points of similarity will usually be rather basic and obvious
Use terms such as “similarly”, “whereas”, “both”, and “in contrast” to make direct comparisons
Use phrases such as “Source A backs…”, and “…supports source B”.
Use direct quotes but keep them short and focused on the most relevant words or phrases
If you claim that a certainly similarity or difference exists, make explicit reference to the part of the source(s) in question
Do not use bullet points
Do not bother to bring in outside knowledge
Do not analyze each document separately, engage in a running comparison
Do not compare the source of the documents

9. Question #3- Analysis

10. Question #4 - Synthesis 9 point Question
Treat this question like a mini-essay
Briefly outline your answer and assemble your evidence in advance before you start writing
Construct an answer to the question and then support your claims through evidence and reference to the sources
Show off as much of your own knowledge as you can in this question
It may be wise to read this question first before the others and take a minute to jot down key terms and concepts from your own knowledge before you answer the rest of the questions.
Do not use a narrative approach; keep it analytical and focused on the question
Do not just make vague references to the sources. Engage with the material and refer to specific sections and facts from them (quotations are good)

11. Question #4 - Synthesis
Apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and award credit wherever it is possible to do so. The following material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. While it is expected that there will be coverage of at least two of the sources, candidates are not required to refer to all four sources in their responses.