Examiner’s Specific Advice

This question requires an essay-type answer, so it is quite demanding. You must use both the sources and your own knowledge to get to a high level. In the process of displaying your knowledge and understanding of the topic, there is no obligation to use all three sources equally. However, you should refer to the sources, either with brief quotations or by summarising their arguments as appropriate. To earn the highest marks you must answer the specific question, with a judgement. ‘How far’ is the key phrase. It is not enough just to describe Soviet agriculture in the 1930s, although of course this information is relevant. You must relate what you know about the impact of collectivisation to the organisation of agriculture and to agricultural output, and make a judgement on the overall effect. You should also consider whether the weaknesses in the agricultural sector were also due to other factors besides collectivisation, and if you think this is the case, you should evaluate the extent to which these factors, as opposed to collectivisation, were the most significant factors; or in fact whether all these factors are linked together.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question. The key thing is that you back up your arguments with evidence. Whether you state your argument clearly at the start of your answer, or let the conclusion arrive naturally towards the end, having discussed all your evidence, is entirely up to you. But do remember, good answers are those that are relevant, do more than just describe events or state facts, and answer the specific question set. There is no ideal length, but a good answer is likely to be a mini-essay of several paragraphs in order to cover the necessary material.

Exemplar Question

Read the sources and then answer the questions that follow.

Use Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge.

1 (02) ) How far was the policy of collectivisation responsible for weaknesses in the Soviet agricultural sector by 1941?
[24 marks]

Plan

• Introduction – the context of collectivisation
• The situation of the agricultural sector in 1941
• Weaknesses in agriculture
• Evidence from the sources
• Contribution of other factors – climate, transport etc.
• Conclusion/judgement – how far was collectivisation responsible for the problems?

View Exemplar Answer 1

View Exemplar Answer 2