How to answer the American West exam paper

Edexcel

Summary• There are 6 questions on the paper and you must Q1 and Q2.• You then have to choose to answer either Q3 or Q4.• You must also choose to answer either Q5a and Q5b or Q6a and Q6b.• The exam takes 75 mins (1¼ hours)• There is a total of 50 raw marks for this paper

5 minutes reading time

Question 1 (4 marks) Inference 5 minutes

Question 2 (9 marks) 10 minutes

Question 3 and 4(12 marks)

15 minutes

Question 5a and 6a (9 marks)

15 minutes

Question 5b and 6b (16 marks)

20 – 25 minutes

General exam techniques for History

• Check that you have the correct exam paper• Read the instructions on the paper very carefully• Use a highlighter pen to identify the instruction and topic on each

question that you answer – this helps you to stick to the question• Read the paper through before you start and highlight any key

details provided on the paper including source material• Ensure that you put your name where it tells you to and label

each answer clearly if extra answer booklets are used• Q5a & b and Q6a & b are worth half the marks and therefore

need approximately half the time (35 mins)

Answering Question 1 : 4 marks

• This question is compulsory• This is asking what you can infer / learn from a source• You should aim to give 2 inferences and support

each inference with evidence from the source• Eg. “From source x I can infer .... I can support this

where it says ... I can also infer .... I can support this because the source shows ....”

• This answer should be short and sharp• There is a need for own knowledge to support your

inferences in this question• Avoid just repeating what the source has said

Answering Question 2 : 9 marks

•This question is also compulsory

•You will be given a choice of options to write about for this question. Choose 1 and write about only that option. You will not gain more marks for talking about both.

•The focus of the question is usually to explain the significance of a person or event.

•Your ability to recall is being tested.

•To get to the highest level (L3) you must demonstrate clear focus on the question and understanding of the given topic. Explanations will be detailed.

Answering Question 3 & 4 : 12 marks

•Here you must choose either Q3 or Q4. Do not attempt to answer them both.

•These questions are testing your ability to recall information, evaluate the effect or cause of something, and analyse a range of points

•You will normally be given some supporting information or bullet points

•It is sensible to build these points in to your answer

•A good answer will show understanding of the focus of the question and is able to support the factors identified with sufficient accurate and relevant detail.

Answering Question 5a & 6a : 9 marks

•You would choose to answer either question 5 (parts a and b) or question 6 (parts a and b)

•Part a of either question is testing your ability to recall information and understand the key features of a particular topic•To reach the top level your answer must show understanding of the focus of the question •You must support the points made with sufficient accurate and relevant detail•You need to be able to put your answer in to the wider context to receive a mark at the top of the level

Answering Question 5b & 6b : 16 marks

•You would choose the part b that continued from the part a question that you have already answered

•This should be structured in paragraphs and read like a mini essay

•This answer is testing your ability to recall information; to analyse the factors of causation within an historical context; to demonstrate your understanding of cause and consequence

•The answer should have sustained focus on the question. It must be supported by precisely selected and accurate material.

•Writing should communicate ideas effectively, using a range of precisely selected historical terms and organising information clearly and coherently. Student should spell, punctuate and use the rules of grammar with considerable accuracy, although some spelling errors may still be found.

•Reserve top of level for answers which can make and support a judgement on the proposition in the question.