ORDINARY LEVEL HISTORY
Ordinary Level students also have two hours and 50 minutes to complete the paper.
Answer four questions – one on each of four topics studied. Each question is worth 100 marks.
1. Multi-part question (30 marks). • This question is always accompanied by a map, photo,
picture, cartoon or written document.
• Make sure you answer all parts of the question. • Most answers are found in the sources. Note: recommended time – 10 minutes.
2. Paragraph question (30 marks). • You have a choice of four paragraph headings. • Choose the heading you know most about. • Try to write 150 – 200 words.
• Make sure all points are relevant to the question asked Note: recommended time – 10 minutes.
3. Longer question (40 marks) • You have a choice of four questions.
• All questions relate to the case studies or key
personalities in your topic •Write250-300words
• Each topic includes three case studies and 10 key
personalities, so make sure you know these well. Note: recommended time – 15 minutes
SAMPLE ANSWER – LONGER QUESTION ORDINARY LEVEL (40 MARKS)
What part did Edward Carson play in defending unionism in Ireland?
Edward Carson became leader of the Ulster Unionist party in 1910. Like most Unionists, he was opposed to Home Rule mainly for economic, religious, security and political reasons. Hence, he was determined to play a big part in defending unionism by resisting any attempts to impose Home Rule, especially in Northern Ireland.
Carson was furious at Asquith’s Liberal Government for passing the Home Rule Bill in 1912; he felt it was a betrayal of loyal unionists and a reward for nationalists who had so often rebelled against the Crown. Carson began his opposition to Home Rule by organising mass protest rallies and marches in the North to show unionist discontent.
As tensions heightened, Carson was the first person to sign the 1912 Ulster Solemn League and Covenant in Belfast’s City Hall. The Covenant was a pledge under which unionists swore to defend Ulster against ‘Home Rule by all means necessary, including the use of violence’. Over 250,000 men signed the pledge to show how serious they were in their opposition to Home Rule.
Carson had warned unionists to be ready to take responsibility for the North if Home Rule was implemented and he was one of the main figures behind the establishment of the Ulster Volunteers – a force of 100,000 men, who drilled and trained to be ready to fight to defend Northern Ireland against Home Rule. However, when World War 1 broke out in 1914, the Home Rule Bill was suspended. Carson called on the Volunteers to enlist in the British army; he felt that if unionists proved their loyalty by helping to defend the Crown, they would be rewarded when the war was over. He was right – the Government of Ireland Act of 1920 partitioned the country and left the North exempt from Home Rule. Ultimately, Carson’s role in defending unionism was very rewarding.
FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE
➤ Make sure your research essay is up to standard and you have completed all sections.
➤ Break the course into manageable chunks to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
➤ Each topic contains three case studies. You should pay particular attention to these – but make sure you can place them in their wider historical context.
➤ Timing is so crucial in History that you should write essays at home against the clock - setting an alarm to go off in 42.5 minutes!
➤ Remember you must engage with the question, so discuss causes and effects and your own opinion.
➤ Make sure you have good, logical notes.
➤ Revise your notes constantly – this will increase your confidence and cut down on the work that must be covered closer to the exam.
➤ Use memory hooks – they are a brilliant way to distil information. Create some clever, witty hooks that are easy to remember.
➤ Write out quotes, notes and memory hooks on a sheet of paper. Laminate it and stick it on the fridge, back of a cornflake box, hang it in the shower, stick it on the mirror - anywhere you spend time! This way, instead of daydreaming you are using your time constructively. ➤ Finally, may I wish you all the very best in all your exams!