Examiner’s Specific Advice

It is important for candidates to balance their own knowledge with use of the sources. A heavy bias to one or the other would result in imbalance and a response that would be unlikely to reach the higher Levels.

The structure should revolve around framing an argument and using ‘own knowledge’ and the sources to support observations. All of the sources should be directly referenced and analysed either individually, through a grouped approach or by way of cross-support. Cross-referencing, in particular, is a very useful way of both supporting and refuting an argument.

Finally, as with Question 1a, candidates need to consider the strengths and limitations of sources as evidence where appropriate. This evaluation should be blended in and not bolted on to main parts of the text. Also, a mechanical approach to this is unlikely to add to the quality of the response.

Exemplar Question - 1 (b)

1. (b) Study all the Sources. Use your own knowledge to assess how far the Sources support the interpretation that it was mainly pressure from the Industrial Insurance companies that influenced the administration and structure the national insurance scheme of 1911. [70 marks]

View Exemplar Answer 1

View Exemplar Answer 2