UNIT 2) How to answer Question 1 & 2 Flashcards
How to answer question 1?
Always refer to value to the historian for all aspects.
content – What does it tell you? Does it leave out any important details? Is it one sided? What is the value to the historian?
authorship and audience Who wrote it when and why? Who is it aimed at? What is the author trying to achieve?
tone and the language used is it harsh, critical, conciliatory? Does it show bias? How and why?
context (background knowledge) and circumstances in which it was produced – What was going on at the time?
How to answer question 2?
Learners are expected to be aware of a range of possible interpretations of these key issues made by historians. You should identify a third interpretation not covered by the extracts.
Learners are expected to be able to show how and why different interpretations of these issues have been formed. You must include background knowledge to support or contradict the source.
Learners should be able to give a judgement based on the validity of the interpretation given in the question. Sum up. Which interpretation is the most valid.
What does the source tell you? Does it support the interpretation?
How does it support the interpretation?
Is it correct? If so add your own knowledge in support of the source.
If you think it is misleading, you need to add your own knowledge to explain how it is so.
Comment on the author. What is the nature of their work. Is it focused, general, specialist? Does it fit in with a particular school, of thought?
Do exactly the same for the other source.
You need a third interpretation other than those expressed in the two sources
