1. A very brief mark scheme…
Level 1 Basic
Identifies factor (can do as many as you want)
Statement – does not answer the question
Level 2 simple
One explanation (simple because its mono-casual) – ‘one reason for everything…’
Level 3 developed
Two or more explained identified factors
Low level 3 – one explained factor, one identified

2. Paper 2 –Thematic: the ‘comparison’ question
Events in question
What do we mean by similarity? Compare the Black Death in the fourteenth century and the Great Plague in the seventeenth century. In what ways were they similar? (8 marks) Explain your answer with reference to both events.
Students need to identify and explain way(s) in which the two key events are similar. In order to do this, they need to reference both key events. Students do not need to identify or explain differences as well.
Command words

3. Compare the Black Death in the fourteenth century and the Great Plague in the seventeenth century. In what ways were they similar? (8 marks) Explain your answer with reference to both events.
Level
Descriptor
Mark
Level 1
Basic explanation of similarity/similarities
Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is
relevant to the question.
Candidates identify similarity/similarities, which are relevant to the question. Explanation at this level is likely to be implicit or by assertion.
1-2
Level 2
Simple explanation of one similarity
Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is
relevant to the question
Candidates may progress from a basic explanation of similarity by reasoning supported with factual knowledge and understanding which might be related to, for example, one of the identified similarities.
3-4
Level 3
Developed explanation of similarities
Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding that is relevant to the question
Extends Level 2.
Candidates may progress from a simple explanation of similarity with developed reasoning considering two or more identified similarities, supported by factual knowledge and understanding.
5-6
Level 4
Complex explanation of similarities
Answer demonstrates a range of accurate and detailed knowledge and understanding that is relevant to the question
Extends Level 3.
Candidates may progress from a developed explanation of similarity by the explanation of the complexities of similarities arising from the broader historical context supported by factual knowledge and understanding.
7-8
Lots of knowledge but no explanation only gives you 2 marks OR events looked at separately
One similarity is identified and explained = level 2
Two or more explained similarities = level 3
Complex explanation =
Extent of similarity
How the similarities are connected