Effective Strategies for Compare and Contrast

This video tutorial guides students on how to effectively respond to the third question on the DP History exam, specifically focusing on the compare and contrast question. It covers the types of sources students will encounter, the mark scheme, and provides detailed techniques for comparing and contrasting sources. The video also includes tips on structuring responses and offers a practice exercise to reinforce learning.

What is the main focus of the third question on the DP History exam?

• Summarizing historical events

• Comparing and contrasting two sources

• Analyzing a single source

• Describing a historical figure

How many similarities and differences should you aim to identify between the sources?

• Two similarities and two differences

• Three similarities and three differences

• Four similarities and one difference

• Five similarities and no differences

What is crucial to achieve a high mark band in the compare and contrast question?

• Using complex vocabulary

• Providing a personal opinion

• Making explicit links between the two sources

• Discussing only one source in detail

Which of the following is NOT recommended when structuring your response?

• Using comparing language

• Writing two paragraphs

• Using sentence starters

• Discussing each source separately

What should you avoid doing when comparing and contrasting sources?

• Using quotes from the sources

• Highlighting key points

• Mentioning both sources in every sentence

• Repeating comparisons or contrasts

What is a key tip for writing the comparison paragraph?

• Use contrasting language

• Focus on only one source

• Use words like 'similarly' and 'both'

• Include personal opinions

What should you do to ensure clarity in your contrasting paragraph?

• Focus on similarities

• Use words like 'whereas' and 'however'

• Avoid mentioning the sources

• Use the same language as in the comparison paragraph

Why is it important to mention both sources in your response?

• To fill up space

• To show the examiner you understand the sources

• To confuse the reader

• To avoid losing marks for repetition

What is the purpose of the practice exercise in the video?

• To test your knowledge of historical facts

• To practice writing a compare and contrast response

• To memorize the sources

• To learn about new historical events

What should you do after writing your response to the practice exercise?

• Submit it immediately

• Compare it with the example response

• Ignore it and move on

• Rewrite the entire response