AQA GCSE HISTORY - Nazi Germany Exam Technique

Pulled from: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zyQHURbY2Mj_GizpRkNToXW-FXrrsRAvSXQVSQgca4Q/edit?gid=418716326#gid=418716326

What is Q1 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

1 (Interpretation - How are they different?)

4 Marks

5Mins

What is Q2 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

2 (Interpretation - Why are they different?)

4 Marks

5Mins

What is Q3 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

3 (Interpretation - Which interpretation is more convincing?)

8 Marks

10Mins

What is Q4 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

4 (Description)

4 Marks

5Mins

What is Q5 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

5 (Explain)

8 Marks

10Mins

What is Q6 on?(timings, marks, e.t.c)

 

6 (Bullet point q)

12 Marks

20Mins

Which questions are interpretation questions?

1,2,3

What is needed for interpretations?

You need to read carefully, understand what is said, compare it with your own knowledge and make inferences.

What is the heading of Q1?

How do interpretations differ?

What is Q1 asking you to do?

• Asks you to compare the interpretations. Identify the overall message and support that with detail from the interpretation. 

Is Q1 based on content or provenance?

Content ONLY

What is the key for Q1?

• Phrases which directly address the focus of the question. 

• Clear understanding of the interpretations and how they are different. One inference for each interpretation is made.

• Includes relevant detail from the interpretation.

How many paragraphs are needed for Q1?

Just 1. you only have 5mins

What is the heading of Q2?

Why do interpretations differ? 

Do you use provenance or content/knowledge in Q2?

Provenance and Knowledge to explain why they’re different

How do you use provenance to explain the differences in Q2?

Using provenance to explain the differences means referring to who wrote the source, when it was written, using factual knowledge to support or disagree with the source, context of their time of writing, place, previous experience and beliefs of the author, circumstances, access to information, purpose and audience, propaganda. 

What is needed for provenance in simple terms for Q2?

In simple terms, you should identify whether the nature, origin or purpose helps to explain the differences.

What is the key for Q2?

• The question is addressed

• Clear summary of the origin and purpose of the interpretation. 

• Develops the explanation of how this might affect the author’s interpretation.

• Underlined = contextual knowledge is used

What else can you focus on for Q2?

You could focus on other reasons (for example the nature of the interpretation) but you only have a short time and so it is best to focus on one or two reasons only and explain them fully. The example here uses origin and purpose.

How many paragraphs are needed for Q2?

Just 1, you only have 5mins

What is the heading of Q3?

Which interpretation is more convincing? 

What is used to explain your answer for Q3?

contextual knowledge and what it says in Interpretations A and B.

What is the key for the paragraphs on Q3?

• Addresses the words of the question.

• Overall argument of each interpretation.

• Here the answer identifies a detail in the interpretation and explains what it suggests (twice for each interpretation).

• Specific knowledge is used to evaluate the information in the interpretation. 

How many paragraphs are needed for Q3 and is a conclusion needed?

2 paragraphs and a conclusion as you only have 10 minutes

What is the key for the conclusion on Q3?

• Addresses the words of the question.

• Complex judgement shown. The two interpretations have been reconciled. Needed for Level 4 (7 or 8/8)!

What is the heading for Q4?

Describe two ways (4 marks)

What does Q4 require you to do?

Question 4 requires a description of two key features or characteristics of the period studied and targets AO1 knowledge and understanding. The focus will arise from Part one, two or three of the specified content.

What is the key for Q4?

• Directly addresses the question and gives one relevant detail.

• Adds a little explanation to show the relevance of the point given. 

What is the heading of Q5?

In what ways… Explain your answer.

What does Q5 test you on?

Question 5 tests the second order concept of change (AO2) and requires supporting knowledge and understanding (AO1).

What will Q5 ask you to do?

The question will ask students to explain how a group or development was affected by a key event or development. The focus will arise from Part one, two or three of the specified content.

What do the 4 D’s stand for?

Decode

Decide

Develop

Demonstrate complex thinking

What are the 3 main questions you need to answer for decode?

What are the command words?

What is the conceptual focus?

What is the content focus?

What does ‘command words’ mean?

e.g. The question starts with ‘in what ways’ (plural).

What is needed for ‘conceptual focus’?

Identify the historical concept, e.g. change. Then expand on it by comparing it to different periods throughout the war

What is needed for ‘content focus’?

Focus on what the question is asking you. Mentioning problems after the war will waste time and not gain you marks.

How do you decide how to organise your answer?

e.g. For this question, you could have one paragraph that focuses on morale and another paragraph on labour shortages. Bombing could be the third.

How do you develop your answer?

Make sure that you explain and support the points you make.

How do you demonstrate complex thinking?

e.g. Did everyone experience the same impact? Do not give the impression that change affected everyone in the same way.

How fast did change occur? Did life change immediately or gradually? Be precise. Do not give the impression that change was instant.

How many paragraphs are needed for Q5?

Atleast 2 but a 3rd is optional since you only have 10 minutes for 8 marks

What is the structure for each paragraph?

PEEL

Point

Evidence

Explain

Link

What is the key for Q5?

• Each paragraph opens with one clear point which addresses the question.

• Specific own knowledge is used to develop this point and is clearly linked to it.

What is the heading of Q6?

Which of the following… in the years…?

-2 bullet points underneath question that needs answering

What is needed for ‘decode’ in this question?

Decode the question and work out the focus of the question

What is needed for ‘decide’ on this question?

Decide how to organise your answer. This question is worth lots of marks so make sure that you plan it carefully

What is needed for ‘develop’ on this question?

Develop your answer. You need to develop the points you make. Lists are not good enough

What is needed for ‘demonstrate’ on this question?

Demonstrate complex thinking. Think carefully about your conclusion.

What are some top tips for ‘decode’ on Q6?

1. Note the dates - make sure that you focus on the time period stated in the question. You will waste time and gain no marks if you go beyond the date boundaries. 

2. Note the two bullet points - you need to evaluate the importance of both bullets. 

What are some top tips for ‘decide’ on Q6?

Plan your answer using three paragraphs. Aim to write one paragraph on each of the bullet points. Then add a conclusion in which you reach your final judgement (in the case of our question

What are some top tips for ‘develop’ on Q6?

• Prioritise. Did some events contribute more than others ? What pattern do you notice ? 

• Link. What links have you already established between the contributory factors ? What patterns can you see ? Did economic problems make the Nazis more appealing ?

• Do not say something was important - prove it was ! Explain how it had a significant impact and give examples to prove your point. 

What is needed for ‘demonstrate’ on Q6?

• In the case of this question, do more than simply list the reasons why Hitler and the Nazis were appealing or what the economic problems were. For each problem and action, think about the consequences.

• Aim to demonstrate that you can prioritise problems and actions ( the two factors ) and see links between them. Were some causes / consequences more important than others ? Did one event or development influence other events ? 

Q6: Should you look for how the 2 factors are linked?

yes

How many paragraphs are needed for Q6?

2 paragraphs and a conclusion. Ensure to write a paragraph on each bullet point.

You only have 20 minutes to score 12 marks

What is the structure for Q6?

1st sentence (POINT / Signpost)

2nd sentence - EVIDENCE.

Further EVIDENCE

LINK

What is the key for a conclusion on Q6?

• Summarise your evidence for both.

• If you can, decide which one is more important and do not sit on the fence.

• Carefully explain your reasoning for your decision and go for a complex judgement - try to show how the two bullet points can be reconciled (Level 4 territory!)*