Ancient History

How to get an A/A* in Ancient History

What does an A-A* student do/have?

• AO1 Knowledge: Demonstrate in depth thorough knowledge being able to recall specific examples/events/dates etc.

• AO2 Understanding: Demonstrate an ability to place your knowledge in context and relate it clearly to the demands of the question.

• AO3 Interpretation & Evaluation: Thorough analysis of sources where you use your knowledge of the authors to assess the sources against the specific demands of the question. This means more than just learning a standard response about each author!

• SPaG: Write with consistent accuracy so that you precisely control your meaning and support your answer with appropriate use of technical language.

• Technique: Be clear about which AOs each question is expecting you to address.

• Timing: Be able to write less but say more: 75 minutes doesn’t give you time to waffle!

Have you reached it yet? If not, why not?

• Poor exam time management- this is crucial for an A-A*. If you miss out a 14, 16 or 30 mark question through lack of time you are asking for trouble!
• Failure to answer questions set. Even the best students sometimes over-complicate questions or deviate to their dream question, so missing the point of what you have been asked.
• Insufficient factual recall. Skills are crucial, but there is no getting away from the need for hard facts. History without facts is waffle!

The Exam: 

All 3 exams follow the same format and are 75 minutes long with 86 marks up for grabs!

How do I approach questions 1 & 2? 18 marks, 15 minutes

Qu. 1) Give 2 examples. (AO1) For each one use the phrase, “This was significant because...”. Aim to answer in no more than 4 sentences.

Qu. 2a) This is simple comprehension of the passage. (AO1) Try to summarise what aspect of the passage you are being asked about in 3 or 4 sentences giving a couple of specifics drawn from the text. Do not try to include everything as this will waste time.

Qu. 2b) This moves onto more complex understanding. (AO2) Make just 2 detailed points, explain their significance and then move on.

Qu. 2c) Briefly discuss the general strengths and weaknesses of the author of the passage. Then you must relate what you know about them to the specifics of that passage in slightly more detail.

How do I approach question 3a? 14 marks, 15 minutes

This question needs you to cover all 3 AOs. It will not prompt you to do this so be careful not to miss one of them out by mistake. You will be given a second passage.

AO1: take details from the passage: these will be rewarded, but also include specific details from your wider knowledge. (4 marks)

AO2: Link the details given in the passage to your wider knowledge and explain the significance of the things that you describe. (5 marks)

AO3: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the author of the passage and then try to evaluate the author’s reasons for presenting the information in that particular passage in that particular way: what is he trying to achieve and why? (5 marks)

How do I approach question 3b? 18 marks, 20 minutes

This question also needs you to cover all 3 AOs. It will not prompt you to do this so be careful not to miss one of them out by mistake. This question will not be directly related to either of the passages.

AO1: You must include a wide range of specific details from your wider knowledge. (5 marks)

AO2: Show an understanding of the significance of the event/theme/action that the question is asking you about. Show that you understand how this event/theme/action made a difference and that you understand its impact. (5 marks)

AO3: Give a still more detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the author that the question asks about.  Develop in particular your explanation of their motives in writing and how this affects how specific events may be portrayed. A quote from the author’s introduction would be well rewarded here. (8 marks)

How do I approach question 4 or 5? 36 marks, 25 minutes

You have a choice of 2 questions. Take time to think about which one to choose: making the right choice is vital, as nearly half the marks in the exam are up for grabs here, so don’t just rush straight in and realise you made the wrong choice with only 10 minutes left when it’s too late! This question needs you to cover all 3 AOs. It will prompt you with a writing frame so check that you cover every element.

AO1: You must include a wide range of specific details from your wider knowledge. Make sure that they are relevant to the needs of the question. You can’t always write about the taming of Bucephalus!!! (10 marks)

AO2: show that you understand the significance of the contributions of the individuals/events in the question and how these impacted on the wider picture. You need to show that you have the knowledge and skills to weigh up the evidence and make a clear judgement on an issue. (10 marks)

AO3: Give a detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of all of the authors that you have studied for this unit.  Develop in particular your explanation of their motives in writing and how this affects how specific events related to the question may be portrayed. A quote from an author’s introduction would also be well rewarded here. (10 marks)

SPaG: Make sure you allow a few minutes to proof read your answer... 6 marks are a gift here... if you are careful and take time to check for them.