Producing a good GCSE answer.

When you come to take the exam you need to follow a few simple rules to maximise your chances of a high grade.

1) Be clear what the question is asking you. This means you need to answer the question set and not one you have imagined was there. Many students revise a subject and have it in their heads what they want to say. When they see a question with key words in it they go on to write about a question that hasn't been set!

Example

The Night of the Long Knives was a key turning point in developing Hitler's popularity. Explain what advantages it gave.

Some students could decide it wants them to tell everything they know about this event. Not true. It does want a clear introduction which explains what happened on this occasion. However, it's main thrust would be the consequences of the event. The examiner would want to know which groups were now happier to give support to the Nazis and why.

2) Take time to contextualise your answer. This sounds complicated but it isn't. contextualising simply means giving a background. Few questions will want to to refer to events or people without giving a clear historical setting. This doesn't mean going over the top but simply showing the examiner that you are aware of the significance of the question.

Example

The Treaty of Versailles caused the Second World War. Explain why this statement could be said to be true. 

The question is asking you to talk about the terms of the treaty and why it was so hard for Germany and how it was an effective focus for the Nazi Party. What is necessary however is to write a sentence or two to give some sense of understanding and making the question clear.

You could begin with something like this:-

Due to the massive impact of the war on France in particular, the punishment given to Germany by the Big Three was very harsh. Some 11.5 million people were dead, industries were in ruins, there was massive rebuilding to be undertaken and the landscape of Northern France had been decimated.

Now you can develop the answer.

3) Be balanced.

It is true that examiners will be impressed with a different perspective, but it must be informed and show balance. A history GCSE is not the place to engage in rhetoric. So use the arguments for a position you don't want to take simply to show why they can not be justified. It allows your case to be strengthened and shows you are informed.

Example.

The Korean War was the result of President Truman's hostile policies towards the Soviet Union. Discuss to what extent this statement could be said to be true.

In this case a student may well think this is simply not the case. Remember the question asks to what extent could this be said to be true. We need to show we are aware of the point the question is making.

In this case the expansion of the Soviet Union, the very healthy position it came from at Yalta and Potsdam could be mentioned and the expansionist nature of communist ideology should be developed. It is now clear to the marker that this person is informed. You can now engage in the issues of Soviet economic decline and little evidence to support the question of their expansion. Issues such as the Cold War being a policy borne out of American fear and reactionary politics are open for developing. As you can see you have now answered, given your own views and illustrated subject knowledge (which is what we are here for).

If you would like some advice on using sources then click here