British Paper Mark Scheme and Exam Technique
Q1. Source Analysis and Comparison Question – Edward and Mary (30 Marks)
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view
that… ‘Statement’
• Dealing with and evaluating claims – need to be interrogated for validity and weighing their
judgements up
• Dealing with the provenance of the source:
o Think about the date – who is in charge, what is happening at the time
o Where is it based? – look at region (skewed results) e.g. area that is socially deprived, a
faction, an area of rebellion, a court
o Who is speaking? – are they in a good position to know what it is going on, are they biased
e.g. are they in court, exiled, a particular religion, are they lying to back themselves, who
are they talking to, what are they hoping to gain
• Introduction – judgement about the issue in the question, arguments outlined by the sources
(e.g. sources A and b argue…, but sources C and D argue…)
• Analysis – state claim of source, show evidence, interrogate this claim, evaluate the strengths
and limitations of this claim, outline the validity using the provenance, provide a judgement
what they are claiming – how do they answer the question and how valid is that
o Words to use – challenged, on the other hand, incorrectly, correctly, convincing
• Conclusion – which view is the most valid with regards to the issue under discussion
Q2/3. Thematic Question - Elizabeth (20 Marks)
Question regarding any themes across the Elizabethan Period
Essay Structure (Textbook – Pgs. 214/215, 237/238, 260/261)
Introduction:
1. Definition of anything in the question that isn’t self-evident (e.g. the main factor in the
question)
2. Hierarchy of factors – should be short and concise:
o E.g. ‘{Factor] has a greater/lesser/more important impact on [Subject] than [other
factors] as [criteria]
o Criteria can include how many people were affected, how long were they affected for,
how widespread were the effects, which factor forms the foundation for the others
3. Timeframe – consider the entirety of Elizabeth’s reign (unless the question specifies
otherwise) – this will allow you to consider change/continuity over Elizabeth’s reign
4. If able, add an interpretation that agrees with your argument (this is consistent with the view
of/this corroborates the view of X)
3
Q1. Source Analysis and Comparison Question – Edward and Mary (30 Marks)
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view
that… ‘Statement’
• Dealing with and evaluating claims – need to be interrogated for validity and weighing their
judgements up
• Dealing with the provenance of the source:
o Think about the date – who is in charge, what is happening at the time
o Where is it based? – look at region (skewed results) e.g. area that is socially deprived, a
faction, an area of rebellion, a court
o Who is speaking? – are they in a good position to know what it is going on, are they biased
e.g. are they in court, exiled, a particular religion, are they lying to back themselves, who
are they talking to, what are they hoping to gain
• Introduction – judgement about the issue in the question, arguments outlined by the sources
(e.g. sources A and b argue…, but sources C and D argue…)
• Analysis – state claim of source, show evidence, interrogate this claim, evaluate the strengths
and limitations of this claim, outline the validity using the provenance, provide a judgement
what they are claiming – how do they answer the question and how valid is that
o Words to use – challenged, on the other hand, incorrectly, correctly, convincing
• Conclusion – which view is the most valid with regards to the issue under discussion
Q2/3. Thematic Question - Elizabeth (20 Marks)
Question regarding any themes across the Elizabethan Period
Essay Structure (Textbook – Pgs. 214/215, 237/238, 260/261)
Introduction:
1. Definition of anything in the question that isn’t self-evident (e.g. the main factor in the
question)
2. Hierarchy of factors – should be short and concise:
o E.g. ‘{Factor] has a greater/lesser/more important impact on [Subject] than [other
factors] as [criteria]
o Criteria can include how many people were affected, how long were they affected for,
how widespread were the effects, which factor forms the foundation for the others
3. Timeframe – consider the entirety of Elizabeth’s reign (unless the question specifies
otherwise) – this will allow you to consider change/continuity over Elizabeth’s reign
4. If able, add an interpretation that agrees with your argument (this is consistent with the view
of/this corroborates the view of X)
3
