Examiner’s Specific Advice

This question is testing your knowledge and your ability to communicate it effectively. It is important that you demonstrate both. The key words are ‘Explain why’, ‘launched’ and ‘Great Leap Forward’. It is not enough just to describe events – that will earn very few marks. You need to explain the reasons why Mao decided to launch the Great Leap Forward, and if possible make links between the reasons, showing perspective and understanding. If you do that well you should get to a high level. With very limited time available, you need not write a full essay – two or three paragraphs should be sufficient. An introduction is not required but a short conclusion is essential.

Exemplar Question

2 (03) Explain why Mao decided to launch the Great Leap Forward in 1958. [12 marks]

Plan

• What was the Great Leap Forward and what were its aims?
• Economic factors leading to launch of GLF.
• Mao’s ideological beliefs and how these were reflected in the GLF.
• Political factors leading to launch of GLF.
• Conclusion – What was the main factor?

View Exemplar Answer 1

View Exemplar Answer 2