AN INTRODUCTION TO PAPER 1

Paper 1 is a one hour paper that assesses source skills.

You will also have 5 minutes reading before you are allowed to start writing.

There are always 4 questions to answer on 5 sources of information.

Question 1: requires you to extract information from a written source and explain the meaning of cartoon. This question is worth 5 marks and may consist of two parts.

Question 2: requires you to compare and contrast the content of two different sources. This question is worth 6 marks.

Question 3: requires you to assess the values and limitations of two different sources, with specific reference to their origins and purpose. This question is also worth 6 marks.

Question 4: requires you use all the sources and your own knowledge to answer an essay style question. This question is worth 8 marks.

HANDY TIPS
  • Use the reading time to mentally answer question 1 . By doing this, you should be able to quickly write the answer to question 1 without eating too much into the 1 hour allotted for the paper.
  • As tempting as it is to use bullet points to answer question 1 , write your response in paragraph form. This will force you to naturally develop your points and give you a better chance of gaining full marks.
  • Before answering question 2 , quickly create a table like this:
Similarities
  1. Both sources concur that Reagan's Cold War policies placed pressure on the USSR that contributed to its eventual collapse
  2. Both sources agree that internal economic problems also played a part in the collapse of the USSR.
Differences
  1. Source B argues that Reagan's policies were largely ineffective at creating change within the USSR until 1985, when Gorbachev rose to power
  • This table can then be converted into two paragraphs- one for similarities and one for differences. This avoids dealing with each source one at a time, which prevents you from reaching the higher levels for this question. This is called a running commentary.

  • Support similarities and contrasts with evidence from the sources. Be clear.

  • When answering question 3 , always remember OPVL- Origins, Purpose, Values and Limitations. In order to reach the higher levels for this question, values and limitations should be based on origins and purpose rather than content.

  • Write one paragraph per source. Again, be clear. Make it very obvious to the examiner what the origins and purpose are before evaluating each source.

  • For question 4 , write a brief plan focusing on the themes you will cover. Write a very short introduction listing the themes you will cover (this introduction does not need to be anywhere near as thorough as an introduction for an essay question from Paper 2 or 3) and write one paragraph on each theme.

  • Clearly state which sources you are using for evidence. Use all the sources

  • Be specific with your own knowledge and clearly state when you are using it.