1. Question type Phrasing Time/length What to do
“What can you tell from 6 minutes • You must make an inference and then support this by saying what
Inference this source about…?” details of the source made you think that.
“What does Source A • Begin your answer with “This source suggests...”
tell us about…?” 1 paragraph, • For maximum marks you need to support your point with several
4 marks
details.
8-10 lines.
“Why were ………” 13 minutes, • Focus on the question by stating the cause or reason at the start
Causation “What factors. ……”
1 side
of each paragraph before developing each one thoroughly.
“Why did...” • You might want to group reasons together i.e. social, economic,
“Explain why...” or political or long term/short term, though only do this if this is
9 or 12 marks
appropriate.
18 minutes,
• Aim to write two, preferably three causes/reasons (must for 12
1-1.5 sides marks). 12 markers will need a clear conclusion answering the
question clearly.
• To show your explaining each point, use ‟because‟, „therefore‟, ‟as a
result of‟, „this meant that‟.
“Explain the effects of...” 13 minutes, • Begin each paragraph by stating the effect/change clearly and at
Consequences “Describe the
1 side
the end of the paragraph state how big a change this resulted in.
political effects of...“ • Aim to write two paragraphs for 9 marks and three for 12 marks.
9 or 12 marks “Why was ……………….. or • Explain, don‟t describe– use „due to this‟, „as a result of‟,
important..” „consequently‟.
18 minutes,
“Why did …... damage • You need to consider who was affected, what changed, how much
the reputation of...” 1-1.5 sides did things change. You must include a range of consequences.
“How much change did ……….”
• Try to organise your work into different types of effects:
“Explain how ……… changed
…………” political, social, economic or long-term/short-term, unless asked to
“In what ways did ………… do just one, or how change was different for different groups.
change” • To make links between changes use „furthermore‟, „however‟, „as a
result of‟, in addition‟, „this led to‟.
• If you write a conclusion, think about the amount or type of
change.
“What role did ….play 13 minutes, •This question will ask you to consider the role of an individual,
Role in...”
1 side
group, event or factor.
“Describe the • Aim to write two main points, preferably three (must for 12
importance/contribution or marks).
9 or 12 marks of...” • Describe the importance of (difference made by) the individual,
18 minutes,
“In what ways did…” group or factor you‟ve been asked to discuss.
1-1.5 sides • For a 12 marker, you probably need to talk about other factors as
well.
“How far do you agree 25 minutes • The question could require a scales or a list of reasons answer.
with this statement” • Plan your answer before you start.
Judgement “………… was the main
including plan
• Write one good length paragraph on the three bullet points at
reason ……………… . Do least, but make sure you don‟t just describe them.
16 marks you agree?” • A/A* students mustn‟t simply rely on the three bullet points.
Plan
“Why did…” • A/A* you must make a judgement about the importance of each
“Was ….. The main then factor in each paragraph. Maximum level 3 without.
reason why….” • Write a conclusion stating your overall judgement. Don‟t just talk
1.5–2 sides
about one factor, either compare the importance of two factors
(with reasons) or show the links between at least two factors (with
reasons).