5-9. 10-Mark Questions (I)

Today you are going to begin working on answering How-Far Questions…!

We will use page 68 in your exam preparation Booklet.

In the answer to a How-Far-Question, more than one argument is offered…

The question requires of you to give “points for” and “points against” the given statement and to ultimately give an evaluation, that concludes the answer. These are typical requirements of a How-Far-Question.

On page 68 in your Exam Preparation Booklet are some 10-mark questions. In this lesson we will look at Questions 1-4 in more detail.

For each Question:

Write the question in the middle of a page in your essay writing book.
Underline key words / phrases that could be briefly expanded upon in a short introduction paragraph.
Then plan the answer – include cryptic notes.

Now compare your planning with the solutions below. (There are also videos that may give further ideas as to what could have been included in an answer.)

SOLUTIONS

Question 1

More on Question 1:

“The League of Nations failed because of Britain and France.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)

Remember to give both sides of the argument!

Look at the following video clip – as a brief analysis and plan for this question.

10-mark League of Nations Question. (2:37 minutes long)

Question 2

More on Question 2:

How far was the outbreak of war in 1939 Hitler’s fault? (10)

Remember to give both sides of the argument!

Look at the following video clip – as a brief analysis and plan for this question.

10-mark Road to War Question. (1:51 minutes long)

Question 3

More on Question 3:

“Hatred of Rasputin was the main reason for revolution in March 1917.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)

Remember to give both sides of the argument!

Look at the following video clip – as a brief analysis and plan for this question.

10-mark Russian History Question. (2:09 minutes long)

And here is an example…

(This as an example of an essay answer to the same question.)

In March 1917 Tsar Nicholas II learnt that the army no longer supported him. He was overthrown and a Provisional Government took control of Russia. This marked the end of the Romanov Dynasty. Russia was now a democracy.

Hatred of Rasputin, main advisor to the crown, and faith healer to Alexi, was one of the reasons for this revolution. Rasputin gave poor advice to the Tsar and Tsarina. On his advice, important ministers were dismissed from government. Even military decisions were made based on Rasputin’s guidance, often with catastrophic results!

Moreover, ordinary Russians did not understand why Nicholas II associated with Rasputin, who was well known as a drunkard and a womanizer. This association damaged the Tsar’s image.

Nobles close to the Tsar disliked Rasputin’s influence and eventually murdered him, but a lot of damage was already inflicted and Tsarist rule became very unpopular.

However, there were more reasons for the 1917 March revolution. The Tsar failed to address longstanding discontent: Peasants and workers lived in great poverty and had no land of their own. Workers received low wages and were also very poor. Nobles had no say in the government.

Russia’s involvement in WW1 made conditions in Russia even worse. She suffered great defeats, which caused a loss of morale. Shortages caused inflation and increased suffering.

In addition, Nicholas and Alexandra’s incompetence brought revolution closer. Nicholas would not allow the Duma any powers to make laws. He also joined the Battlefront and left Alexandra in charge of ruling the country. She relied on Rasputin’s advice. This fuelled rumours that Alexandra and Rasputin were German spies. There were also rumours about her and Rasputin having an affair.

All these factors worked together to cause the March 1917 Revolution, and not only hatred for Rasputin. Ultimately, it was the fact that the army no longer supported Nicholas II, that was probably the most immediate reason for the Russian revolution of March 1917.

Finally…

This animated explainer video answers exactly the same question, but in video format:

“Hatred of Rasputin was the main reason for revolution in March 1917.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)