Evaluating Source Questions Strategies

Scott Olop provides guidance for CIE IGCSE history students on tackling Paper 2. He emphasizes the importance of using sources effectively, understanding examiner's reports, and applying contextual knowledge. The video covers strategies for answering various types of questions, including agreement, disagreement, and surprising source questions. It also highlights the significance of critical analysis and understanding the purpose of sources and cartoons. The final section offers advice on handling the 12-mark question, ensuring students maximize their marks.

What is the primary purpose of the examiner's report for CIE IGCSE History Paper 2?

• To list all the questions from past exams

• To give a detailed analysis of historical sources

• To provide a summary of historical events

• To offer guidance on how to improve exam performance

When answering source questions, what is crucial to include in your response?

• A list of all sources used

• A detailed summary of the source

• Personal opinions about the topic

• Specific examples from the sources

How should contextual knowledge be used in source questions?

• To summarize the historical period

• To support and explain the sources

• To replace the need for sources

• As the main focus of the answer

What is the best approach to understanding the overall message of a source?

• Ignore the tone of the source

• Read the source as a whole

• Summarize each sentence separately

• Focus on specific details only

What should you consider when interpreting cartoons in source questions?

• The artist's biography

• The historical context only

• The overall message and purpose

• Only the visual elements

In agreement/disagreement questions, what is essential to demonstrate?

• Only the agreements

• Similarities and differences

• Only the disagreements

• A balanced argument with both agreements and disagreements

What is a common mistake in answering agreement/disagreement questions?

• Confusing similarities with agreements

• Ignoring the source details

• Using contextual knowledge

• Focusing on the message of the sources

How should you address questions about the surprising nature of a source?

• By summarizing the source

• By directly comparing the sources

• By focusing on the author's intent

• By ignoring the question

What is a key strategy for answering the final question on Paper 2?

• Ignoring the evaluation of sources

• Using all sources regardless of relevance

• Focusing on the quantity of sources used

• Explaining how sources support or disagree with the statement

What additional marks can be earned in the final question?

• For using the most sources

• For evaluating the reliability of sources

• For summarizing the sources

• For writing the longest answer