tips on answering structured essay question (seq

Upper Secondary : Modern World History

Please remember that the changes in the way that questions are being asked in the exams.

They no longer ask simple straight forward questions such as … ‘How did Stalin rise to Power in the 1920s?

But new Questioning styles focuses on analytical or higher order thinking questions…….

Higher order thinking questions asks questions like for e.g.

“Stalin’s use of propaganda was the important factor that helped Stalin to secure his rule in the USSR.” How far do you agree to this statement? Explain Your Answer.

First highlight the Key words E.g. Key words highlighted in yellow

will be : “Stalin’s use of propaganda was the

important factor that helped Stalin to secure his rule in the USSR.” How far do you agree to this statement? Explain Your Answer

Secondly, highlight the Instruction words and

E.g. Key words highlighted in blue will be :

“Stalin’s use of propaganda was the important factor that helped Stalin to secure his rule in the USSR.” How far do you agree to this statement? Explain Your Answer

Plan your essay Recall: How did Stalin secure his rule

in the USSR ? Write down the main points(3 points) 1.Use of Propaganda2.Stalin’s Purges/Rule of Terror3.Stalin’s Establishment of Dictatorship

Upon identifying the main points for the essay, the next step is to start the introduction part.

Remember the question is asking you to take a stand.

DO NOT TAKE A STAND RIGHT AT THE START OF THE ESSAY !!!

State how his power grew in the 1930s and what were the factors that contributed to this immense power and control

Explain the Given factor: Stalin’ Use of propaganda

Elaborate and Explain with evidences of how by using Propaganda, Stalin’s rule was secured? Ask these guiding questions and it will help you think and recall

Analyse to what extent it had helped him secure his rule ?

When concluding, If not sure, just state that it was one of the reasons and DO NOT TAKE A STAND YET !

Explain another factor: Stalin’s Purges / Rule of Terror

Elaborate and Explain with evidences of how by using Purges/Rule of Terror, How was Stalin’s rule secured? Ask these guiding questions and it will help you think and recall

Remember some of the evidences such as ‘show trials’, ‘gulags’

Quote some examples of politicians who were purged

When concluding, If not sure, just state that it was one of the reasons and DO NOT TAKE A STAND YET !

Explain yet another factor: Stalin’s establishment of dictatorship

Elaborate and Explain with evidences of how by establishing dictatorship, How was Stalin’s rule secured? Ask these guiding questions and it will help you think and recall

Remember some of the evidences such as the creation of the 1936 constitution was just in disguise and explain why and only communist party members were allowed to stand for election .

When concluding, If not sure, just state that it was one of the reasons and DO NOT TAKE A STAND YET !

Conclusion:Weigh the relative importance of the various factors and take a stand

Briefly explain which factor is the most important factor.(Use of propaganda)

Do not forget to explain the other factors were also important and their effects.

Finally conclude that the Use of Propaganda had the most effect …..

Refer again to the worksheet that was given to you.

> This powerpoint was created by using the worksheet created by Miss. Celisa Lin