russia paper - exam technique

Question 1

q1

how does interpretation A differ from interpretation B about X? (4marks-5mins)

Answer 1

CONTENT
- interpration A suggests….for eg it states (quote).
- therefore this shows that,….. whereas interpretation B states (quote) which implies…
- therefore the interpreretations are contrasting because A suggests ….. but B focuses on….

Question 2

q2

why might authors of A and B have a different interpretation about x? (4marks-5mins)

Answer 2

PROVENANCE
interpretation A was written by…who…..
this means they are more likely to think….
this interpration was written in…which means that….
the purpose of this interpretation is to..
overall this explains why this interpration A has a negative/positive view about x
(X2 - repeat for B)

Question 3

q3

which interpretation do you find more convicing about X? (8marks-10mins)

Answer 3

KNOWLEDGE
- the overall argument in A is….
- the most convincing aspect of this view is ….
- this is because (own kowledge)
-in addition this source is convicing because (own knowledge)
(repeat for B)
- overall A/B is most convincing because it focuses on …. which is supported by (own knowledge)

Question 4

q4

describe two key features/issues /problems caused by X (4marks-5mins)

Answer 4

the first/ second problem (mirror key language was…this was a problem because
X2

Question 5

q5

in what ways….explain your answer (8marks-10mins)

Answer 5

• 2 paragraphs, no conclusion
• categorize eg SEEP, different areas/classes of society, positive/negative
• include higher level analysis eg how did it change over time/ how was it different for different areas of society

Question 6

which of the following was the most important reason for A?
- x
- y
explain your answer with reference to both bullet points
(12 marks- 20mins)

Answer 6

• opening sentence, clearly states your judgement
• one paragraph for each bullet point
• use key facts/stats
• use phrases to show explanation like therefore,this shows that, as a result
• sustained judgement
• conclusion

Question 7

what happened in 1991 that affects lots of later provenace?

Answer 7

soviet archives, which had been kept secret under communists, opened so historians after 1991 had more access to information