Examiner’s Specific Advice

The question is testing several skills, and also your knowledge of the topic. You will be expected to know the main factual details. You are also expected to provide a historical explanation and make a substantiated judgement.

The key thing is not to narrate and describe, but to keep the precise question in mind. Keep the focus on Martin Luther King and what he achieved. Whatever your approach in your answer, do make a judgement about his importance in relation to other factors.

It would be advisable for an essay-type question of this sort to write a brief plan before you start your answer.

Exemplar Question

2 (04) ‘Martin Luther King transformed the Civil Rights movement in the USA in the years 1960 to 1968.’

Explain why you agree or disagree with this view.  [24 marks]

Plan

• Introduction: summary of what Martin Luther King achieved
• Detailed explanation of his achievements in these years
• Other factors that helped to transform the Civil Rights movement in these years
• Conclusion: judgement on the extent to which Martin Luther King should be personally credited with achievements

View Exemplar Answer 1

View Exemplar Answer 2