“Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how
far they support the view…”
Preparation
1. Be clear about what the question is asking: what is the view you are being asked to
consider? Underline this on the question paper.
2. What view do the sources give on the issue raised in the question?
Read over each document twice. On the first read though of the source, just try to
get a sense of what the author is saying and if they agree or disagree with the
view. On the second read through, highlight words and phrases about what is
written or inferred on the view in the question. You might like to use 2 different
colour highlighters for this: one colour for comments supporting the view, another
colour for those disagreeing with it. Then you can make a judgement as to
whether the source disagrees or agrees with the view in the question.
When you have analysed all the sources you will have “the split”: some will agree
with the view, others will disagree; sometimes a source will both agree and
disagree.
You might like to jot some quick notes by each source on the exam paper; it will
look something like this:
A= agrees; Jn’s involvement in Arthur’s death
B= disagrees; Jn’s popular support
C=agrees; barons easily left Jn for Philip
D= mainly agrees; were barons’ defections, but recognises loyalty of others
The “split” = A, C and to large extent D AGREE with view. B and to limited extent
D DISGREE
3. Review your own knowledge on the issue raised in the question and be clear of
your own opinion on it. To what extent does it agree/ disagree with the sources?
General points re your answer
1. Use “the split” as the basis for the structure of your answer.
2. Explain your answer analytically.
3. You MUST refer to ALL 4 sources in your answer. Quote relevantly. Bring in your
own knowledge as appropriate, explaining how it agrees/ disagrees with the
sources. Deal with the provenance too.
4. Aim for a good balance between source analysis and provenance.
5. Do come to a clear judgement on the question.
1
, Suggested framework/ structure for your answer
1) Focus in on the topic and the question in the introduction: write 1 or 2 sentences to
show an awareness of the event or topic under discussion. Then 2 to 3 sentences
to comment on how the sources as a set are “split”.
2) Start by examining the sources which AGREE with the interpretation; write a
paragraph on each of those. You might begin each paragraph with a key sentence
something like this: “Sources A largely agrees with the view that….” Then go on to
develop this more fully by…
- quoting directly from the source (2-4 quotes)
- explaining how they agree with the view in the question and …
- bringing in your own knowledge to amplify/ explain that. Use phrases like
“This was typical/ not typical of John as he was well known for…(and refer to other
examples)…”
- and link back to the question
- do include comments on the external evidence/ provenance of the“agreeing”
source. Each source will have at least 1 strength and 1 weakness. These
will be about their usefulness and reliability. Link these comments to the specific
question asked. (See notes below on how to write about usefulness, reliability and
their strengths and weaknesses.)
- At the end of the paragraph, refer back to the question and comment on how the
provenance has strengthened or weakened the sources’ agreement to the view.
3) Next look at the sources which DISAGREE with the interpretation. You might begin
“However, source B offers a different view about….” Then go on to develop this
more fully, as you did above in section 2), by quoting, explaining and bringing in
your own knowledge, as well as commenting on at least 1 strength and 1
weakness.
Do note that when you bring in your own knowledge you may disagree with what
the source says. For example, “The source does suggest that Jn was an excellent
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far they support the view…”
Preparation
1. Be clear about what the question is asking: what is the view you are being asked to
consider? Underline this on the question paper.
2. What view do the sources give on the issue raised in the question?
Read over each document twice. On the first read though of the source, just try to
get a sense of what the author is saying and if they agree or disagree with the
view. On the second read through, highlight words and phrases about what is
written or inferred on the view in the question. You might like to use 2 different
colour highlighters for this: one colour for comments supporting the view, another
colour for those disagreeing with it. Then you can make a judgement as to
whether the source disagrees or agrees with the view in the question.
When you have analysed all the sources you will have “the split”: some will agree
with the view, others will disagree; sometimes a source will both agree and
disagree.
You might like to jot some quick notes by each source on the exam paper; it will
look something like this:
A= agrees; Jn’s involvement in Arthur’s death
B= disagrees; Jn’s popular support
C=agrees; barons easily left Jn for Philip
D= mainly agrees; were barons’ defections, but recognises loyalty of others
The “split” = A, C and to large extent D AGREE with view. B and to limited extent
D DISGREE
3. Review your own knowledge on the issue raised in the question and be clear of
your own opinion on it. To what extent does it agree/ disagree with the sources?
General points re your answer
1. Use “the split” as the basis for the structure of your answer.
2. Explain your answer analytically.
3. You MUST refer to ALL 4 sources in your answer. Quote relevantly. Bring in your
own knowledge as appropriate, explaining how it agrees/ disagrees with the
sources. Deal with the provenance too.
4. Aim for a good balance between source analysis and provenance.
5. Do come to a clear judgement on the question.
1
, Suggested framework/ structure for your answer
1) Focus in on the topic and the question in the introduction: write 1 or 2 sentences to
show an awareness of the event or topic under discussion. Then 2 to 3 sentences
to comment on how the sources as a set are “split”.
2) Start by examining the sources which AGREE with the interpretation; write a
paragraph on each of those. You might begin each paragraph with a key sentence
something like this: “Sources A largely agrees with the view that….” Then go on to
develop this more fully by…
- quoting directly from the source (2-4 quotes)
- explaining how they agree with the view in the question and …
- bringing in your own knowledge to amplify/ explain that. Use phrases like
“This was typical/ not typical of John as he was well known for…(and refer to other
examples)…”
- and link back to the question
- do include comments on the external evidence/ provenance of the“agreeing”
source. Each source will have at least 1 strength and 1 weakness. These
will be about their usefulness and reliability. Link these comments to the specific
question asked. (See notes below on how to write about usefulness, reliability and
their strengths and weaknesses.)
- At the end of the paragraph, refer back to the question and comment on how the
provenance has strengthened or weakened the sources’ agreement to the view.
3) Next look at the sources which DISAGREE with the interpretation. You might begin
“However, source B offers a different view about….” Then go on to develop this
more fully, as you did above in section 2), by quoting, explaining and bringing in
your own knowledge, as well as commenting on at least 1 strength and 1
weakness.
Do note that when you bring in your own knowledge you may disagree with what
the source says. For example, “The source does suggest that Jn was an excellent
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