Y10: 3-9. Questions

Today you are going to familiarize yourself with typical exam questions about Stalin’s Russia!

(a) How did Stalin control the USSR? (4)

(b) Why did Stalin create a “cult of personality”? (6)

(c) ‘Stalin’s use of propaganda was the main reason he was able to establish a ‘personal dictatorship’.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)

(Use your essay-writing book for today’s tasks.)

1.

Let’s first look at a typical 4-mark question….

How did Stalin control the USSR? (4)

SOLUTION

2.

If you explain two of the methods (on the table below) in detail, you will get 4 marks. Or, if you mention four of the methods, you may also get 4 marks. (To be on the safe side, explain 3 methods, or mention 5 methods!)

METHODS

EXAMPLE:

OR:

3.

Below is a complete list of 4-mark exam questions on Stalin’s Russia. You should be able to answer any of them!

SOME ANSWERS:

4.

Let’s now also look at a typical 6-mark question.

Why did Stalin create a “cult of personality”? (6)

As you should know by now, these are usually “why-questions” and require you to give (and explain) clear reasons…

On a new page in your essay-writing book, write the question down and then make a list of possible reasons as to why Stalin created the cult of personality.

IDEAS:

• Stalin created the cult of personality so that he could advocate himself as a great leader to the people of the USSR.
• Stalin also aimed to gain (and keep) the support of the Soviet people by the creation of the cult of personality.
• Stalin introduced the Cult of Personality because he wanted to be popular and liked and therefore ensured that he is fully supported.
• In addition, Stalin aimed to influence the youth and indoctrinate them to insure the support of future generations.
• Finally, by getting people to worship him as leader he would be perceived as popular and greatly supported (even though this was forced on the people) and so, Stalin could also ensure continued support.

5.

Finally, let’s look at a typical 10-mark question:

‘Stalin’s use of propaganda was the main reason he was able to establish a ‘personal dictatorship’.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)

Remember, a 10-mark question requires you to give both sides of the argument and then reach your own conclusions…

Now, use your essay-writing book, and do the following:

• write the question in the middle of a new page
• analyse the question,
• plan the question,
• write the essay answer

ANALYSIS:

The information on the “How did Stalin control the USSR?” table (above), is also relevant to the 10-mark question…

(See feedback on this essay question in Lesson 11.)

Also, the question below is similar but just slightly differently worded – this may be useful to guide you too:

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