Why was a person or event significant... (12 marks)
This type of question asks you to explain as fully as possible the significance of an historical issue (ie why something was important either in the short term or long term). Focus on the given issue and provide as much explanation as you can. Use your knowledge of the issue as fully as possible.
You should demonstrate an understanding of the historical context and should provide a well-developed answer. It is important that you focus on the significance of the identified issue but you may wish to refer to other issues. You should not, however, write at length about other issues and discuss whether or not they were more significant than the main issue.
Example:
Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, significant in the Catholic threat to Elizabeth?
Tips:
- Focus on the main issue in the question.
- Explain why it was significant (important).
- Support your answer with historical knowledge.
- Consider other issues but do not do so in detail.
- Do not debate the relative significance of other issues.
- Develop your answer fully.
- Be guided by the number of marks for the question and the number of lines provided in the answer booklet as to how much you write.
