The 8 Mark Question

Knowledge and UnderstandingCredit Level

Learning Objectives

• To learn how to answer an 8 Mark Question.

• To answer an 8 Mark question using recalled knowledge.

Success Criteria

• To have a series of notes on how to answer an 8 Mark Question.

• To be able to identify an 8 Mark Question.

• To have practised answering an 8 Mark Question on working conditions in the coal mines.

Background

• The 8 mark question is the mini-essay question.

• You MUST have a clear structure in your short essay – introduction, middle section for developing the ideas in your introduction, and a conclusion.

• You should aim to spend 10-12 minutes on the whole question.

• It is worth 8 marks – 2 for structure (intro, middle, conclusion, writing in paragraphs) and 6 for content.

Introduction

• One paragraph.• Refer to the question in your opening

sentence.• Set in context.• Identify your line of argument.• It should be short and list the main

points you are going to expand on later.

Middle Section

• Try to have at least two paragraphs here.• Develop your points with as much factual

knowledge as you can.• You can get 2 marks for a developed point.• 3 basic factors – one problem/issue was…

this was caused by… the effect of this was…

• Use joining and linking words!• Refer to your argument.

Conclusion

• One paragraph.• Answer the question!!• Summarise your arguments very

briefly.

Hints and Tips

• Read the question carefully!• If you need to, spend time quickly

spider-diagramming everything you know about the what the question is asking – this will help you organise your answer. However, remember time is tight.

• Always make sure you include your conclusion, even if you haven’t finished the main body of your essay.

The Question

Working conditions in the coal mines gradually began to improve between 1830 and 1930.

(Note: for this answer you should write a short essay of several paragraphs.)

How important was either

a)New government legislation or

b)New technology

in improving working conditions in the coal mines?

8

8

Trigger Statement

SQA 8 Mark Question Hint

Choice

Success Criteria Revisited

To have a series of notes on how to answer an 8 Mark Question.

To be able to identify an 8 Mark Question.

To have practised answering an 8 Mark Question on working conditions in the coal mines.