How to succeed in the Elizabethan exam:

After school revision in the VLC every Monday and Tuesday from 3.00 - 4.00 pm.

You will have 1 hour to complete this exam.

The exam uses different interpretations on the Elizabethan topic.  You will need to understand what an interpretation is and why people may have different views about history.

 

Click on the box below to access the revision PowerPoint

 

How should I structure my answers?

Below you will find example questions and some suggested sentence starters.

Question 6 a)

In Interpretation A the illustrator portrays the power of Elizabethan England. Identify and explain one way in which the illustrator does this. [3 Marks]

In this type of question you will be shown an interpretation of some part of Elizabethan history between 1580 and 1603:

• This may be shown as either an image or writing.  
• The question will start by explaining the point that the interpretation is making (in the example above the illustrator is making the point that this shows power).  
• You will need to show that you understand how it does this.

Question 6 b)

If you were asked to do  further research on one aspect of Interpretation A, what would you choose to investigate? Explain how this would help us to analyse and understand power in Elizabethan England. [5 Marks]

In this question you will be asked to suggest an area of further research into a part of the historical situation or issue that is the focus of question 6a.

• You will need to include your own knowledge to give reasons for your suggestion.
• Link your knowledge of the topic to consider things such as change and continuity with power or similarities and differences.

Question 7)

Interpretations B and C both focus on religion during the reign of Elizabeth I. How far do they differ and what might explain any differences? [12 Marks]

In this question you will need to explain how far and why two interpretations differ.  To do this you will need to think first about the similarities and differences of them and why they might have reached their view.

Essay Question

In this question you will need to choose to answer either Question 8 or 9; both of these are worth 20 marks.  You need to make sure that you leave enough time to be able to answer this question properly.

In this question you will need to make a judgement about a particular part of Elizabethan life.

Example:

Question 8)

In his 2012 book, The Watchers, the historian Stephen Alford argued that the threat from Catholics created ‘dangerous and uncertain times’ in Elizabethan England. How far do you agree with this view? [20 Marks]

Depending on the question you may decide to agree completely or take a view that sees reasons for both agreeing and disagreeing in your essay.  There is no right or wrong answer but is important to show using your knowledge how you came to that decision.

Remember to include:

• Introduction/Conclusion/1 APE paragraph per point.
• Consider the nature, origin and purpose of the quote.
• Use the quote from the question in your answer.
• Make good use of key words that are relevant.
• Go DEEP (Dates/Examples/Events/People) in your explanations.
• Add balance to give another view to the argument; However…