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Paper 2 exam skills: period study and British depth study
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Paper 2 has two separate booklets: a period study (Booklet P) and a British depth study (Booklet B). Each has its own question styles.
The paper at a glance
1 hour 50 minutes, 64 marks, 40% of your GCSE. Each booklet is worth 32 marks, so split your time about evenly.
Booklet P: period study
Consequence questions (8 marks in total): explain what happened as a result of an event. Use 'This led to...' and give specific detail.
Narrative account (8 marks): 'Write a narrative account analysing...' Tell the story in order, linking events with cause and consequence ('this meant that...'). Two stimulus points help; add your own.
Importance questions (two from three, 8 marks each): 'Explain the importance of X for Y'. Say how X changed Y, and why that mattered.
Narrative account (8 marks): 'Write a narrative account analysing...' Tell the story in order, linking events with cause and consequence ('this meant that...'). Two stimulus points help; add your own.
Importance questions (two from three, 8 marks each): 'Explain the importance of X for Y'. Say how X changed Y, and why that mattered.
Booklet B: British depth study
Describe features (4 marks in total): a feature plus a supporting detail.
Explain why (12 marks): give at least three developed reasons, using the stimulus points and your own knowledge.
How far do you agree? (16 marks, one from a choice of two): argue for and against the statement with precise evidence, then give a reasoned judgement.
Explain why (12 marks): give at least three developed reasons, using the stimulus points and your own knowledge.
How far do you agree? (16 marks, one from a choice of two): argue for and against the statement with precise evidence, then give a reasoned judgement.
Plan a narrative account analysing the key events of the Berlin Crisis, 1948 to 49.
- Start: why tension grew over the Western zones and the new currency (June 1948).
- Middle: Stalin's blockade led to the Airlift, which kept West Berlin supplied.
- End: Stalin lifted the blockade in May 1949, which led to the division of Germany and NATO.
- Link each stage with 'this led to' or 'as a result'.
Answer: A clear sequence of events, linked by cause and consequence, with a beginning, middle and end.
Paper 2: 1 hour 50 minutes, 64 marks. Booklet P: consequences, narrative account, two 'importance' questions. Booklet B: describe features, explain why (12), how far do you agree (16).
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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