Every card in Interpretations and significance, Year 10: sustained argument, key features and specialist terms
The whole deck, in order — so you can read it through before your child ever sees it.
- The essay that ends the period study is worth ____ marks; the essays that end the other three sections are worth ____ marks each.
12; 16
HintThe period-study essay, built on two bullet points, is the smaller one.
WhyTwo of the sixteen-mark essays also carry four extra marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Every section of both papers finishes with an essay that asks for a judgement.
- What does 'sustained' mean in the phrase 'a sustained line of reasoning'?
The same argument is kept up through the whole essay
HintThink of a thread running from the first paragraph to the last.
WhyAQA asks for reasoning that is coherent, relevant, substantiated and logically structured. Each paragraph should move the same argument forward, not start a new, unconnected topic.
- A 'how far do you agree?' essay names one reason or factor in its statement. What else must you bring in to answer it?
Other reasons or factors, to weigh against the one named
HintYou cannot say 'how far' with only one thing on the scales.
WhyDeal fairly with the named factor first, then set it against the others. The judgement comes from comparing them, not from describing each in turn.
- In the period-study essay, the question gives two bullet points. What does it ask you to decide about them?
Which of the two was more important, with reasons
HintIt is a comparison between the pair.
WhyExplain how each of the two contributed, then reach a judgement between them. You may also show how the two were connected.
- What should the conclusion of an essay do, beyond repeating the points already made?
Give a judgement and the main reason for it
HintAnswer the question in a sentence, then say why.
WhyThe conclusion should follow from the argument of the essay. If the essay has argued one line throughout, the judgement will not come as a surprise.
- How many marks is the 'Describe…' question in Paper 1 Section A worth? (number only)
4
HintThe same as each of the first two interpretation questions.
WhyIt is the fourth question of the period study and comes straight after the three interpretation questions.
- Which single assessment objective does the four-mark 'Describe…' question test?
AO1: knowledge and understanding
HintThe objective about knowing the key features of the period.
WhyIt is the only question on either paper that tests knowledge alone, with no analysis of sources, interpretations or concepts.
- In a four-mark 'Describe…' answer, what should you add after naming each feature?
A precise supporting detail
HintNaming it is only half the job.
WhyFor example: 'One problem was hyperinflation. In 1923 prices rose so fast that paper money became worthless.' The first sentence names the feature; the second develops it.
- Does the four-mark 'Describe…' question need an explanation of causes or a judgement?
No: it asks only for accurate description
HintCheck which assessment objective it targets.
WhyTime spent explaining why something happened earns nothing here. Write the pair of developed features and move on to the eight-mark question.
- How many marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar are available on each History paper? (number only)
4
HintThe same on Paper 1 as on Paper 2.
WhyThey are awarded on one essay in each paper and added to the History marks for that essay. Over the two papers they make 8 marks out of 168.
- Each History paper is marked out of ____: 80 for History and ____ for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
84; 4
HintThe two sections of each paper carry 40 marks each, before the extra marks are added.
WhyEach paper lasts two hours and counts for half of the GCSE.
- Besides accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, what else do the top SPaG marks reward?
Using a wide range of specialist terms
HintThink of words such as 'plebiscite' or 'antiseptic'.
WhyWords such as 'hyperinflation', 'plebiscite', 'patronage' or 'antiseptic', spelt correctly and used in the right place, are what examiners mean.
- Which question carries the spelling, punctuation and grammar marks in Paper 2?
The factor essay of the thematic study (Section A, question 4)
HintThe piece of extended writing that weighs one cause of change against others.
WhyIn Paper 1 the marks are on the last question of the wider world depth study (Section B, question 4). In both papers it is a sixteen-mark essay.
- A student's essay has several spelling slips, but the meaning is always clear. Can it still earn some SPaG marks?
Yes: marks are lost fully only when errors seriously get in the way of meaning
HintThe mark scheme has levels, not a pass or fail.
WhyThe criteria describe three levels above zero: reasonable accuracy, considerable accuracy and consistent accuracy. No marks are given only if nothing is written, the answer is irrelevant, or errors severely hinder meaning.
1★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0026
2★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0027
3★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0028
4★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0029
5★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0030
6★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0031
7★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0032
8★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0033
9★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0034
10★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0035
11★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0036
12★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0037
13★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0038
14★ GCSE-HIST-INT-0039
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