How to answer a SOURCE question (AQA ) 4 Marks | GET A GRADE 9

Summary

This video lesson focuses on how to approach and answer historical source-based questions in exams, particularly those about NATO, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War. The instructor explains two types of questions: a simple 4-mark question where students must analyze a source and back up their observations, and a more complex 12-mark question requiring analysis of two sources with contextual knowledge. Emphasis is placed on how to identify key details in the sources, understand their context, and connect these observations to historical facts. The video offers step-by-step guidance on structuring answers effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding the two main source questions: One is easier (4 marks) and focuses on identifying evidence from a source, while the other (12 marks) requires more analysis and contextual knowledge.
• 😀 The 4-mark question asks you to identify evidence from a source and explain it with your knowledge. The key skill here is recognizing key details in the source and matching them to historical context.
• 😀 The 12-mark question asks how useful two sources are for a historian studying a specific topic, requiring analysis of both the sources and the historical context.
• 😀 It's important to read the introductory context of a source, as it provides valuable information on when and where the source was created and its relevance to the question.
• 😀 When answering a source question, pick out specific details from the source (what you see) and back them up with historical knowledge (what you know).
• 😀 For a 4-mark question, you should provide two points: one showing what you can see in the source and another to back it up with evidence.
• 😀 In a 12-mark question, you analyze two sources and use contextual knowledge to argue how useful they are for understanding a historical topic.
• 😀 Visual analysis is key in interpreting sources. Look at the imagery, the people involved, and their actions to understand the message the source is conveying.
• 😀 When analyzing sources, consider the historical context, such as political events or social dynamics, that may influence the way the source was created and its purpose.
• 😀 Practice is essential. In preparation for the exam, try breaking down sources by identifying key points and matching them with your historical knowledge to strengthen your answering technique.

Q & A

What are the two main types of source-based exam questions discussed in the video?

The two main types of source-based exam questions are: 1) A shorter, easier four-mark question where you analyze a single source and provide evidence for what it shows, and 2) A more challenging twelve-mark question where you analyze two sources and explain how useful they are for a historian, using both the sources and contextual knowledge.

How should students approach the four-mark source question?

For the four-mark source question, students should focus on identifying specific details from the source that answer the question, and then back those details up with contextual knowledge or additional evidence. The answer should be split into two parts: one point from the source with evidence for each.

What is the primary skill involved in answering the four-mark source question?

The primary skill involved is understanding the source, identifying relevant details within it, and linking those details to the historical context to answer the specific question being asked.

What does the twelve-mark source question require students to do?

The twelve-mark source question requires students to analyze two sources, explaining how useful they are for a historian studying a specific topic, such as opinions about the Marshall Plan. Students must use evidence from the sources along with their own contextual knowledge to explain the sources' usefulness.

What is the importance of contextual knowledge when answering the source-based questions?

Contextual knowledge helps students better understand and interpret the source, providing deeper insights into the historical period or events depicted. This knowledge also allows students to back up their observations from the source with historical facts and evidence.

Why is it helpful to read the background information about the source in the exam paper?

Reading the background information helps students understand the context in which the source was created, including its date, purpose, and relevance. This is important for correctly interpreting the source's content and answering the exam question accurately.

What are some tips for organizing the response to the four-mark question?

For the four-mark question, students should provide two key points from the source, each supported by evidence. The answer should be structured with a clear 'what you see' point followed by 'how you know' or 'why it matters,' repeated twice to achieve the full four marks.

In the context of the NATO cartoon, what is the significance of Stalin's isolation in the source?

The isolation of Stalin in the NATO cartoon reflects the geopolitical situation where Stalin and the Soviet Union were excluded from the NATO alliance. This visually suggests his antagonism towards the Western powers and his role as an outsider in the context of post-World War II alliances.

What should students focus on when analyzing a source for a source-based exam question?

Students should focus on what the source depicts, including specific details such as characters, actions, and symbolism. They should then link these observations to the historical context and explain their relevance in terms of the exam question.

How does the video suggest students practice for the source-based exam questions?

The video suggests that students practice by analyzing sources themselves, picking out key points and evidence, and then writing brief responses that explain what they see and how it links to their historical knowledge. Practicing this process helps them develop the skills necessary for the exam.