THE EXAM

• There are 20 questions (1 on each seminar topic) and no sections

• There are some option exclusions• You must answer 3 questions in 3 hours

(or 2 in 2 hours if Joint Honours/History & Culture and have submitted a long essay)

• Scripts (and long essays) are double-marked by a random selection of early modern tutors

REVISION

DO• Select 5 or 6 topics to

revise thoroughly• Choose topics that

are interlinked• Dissect short essays

and read around them• Look through past

papers

DON’T• Rely on just knowing

3 topics• Forget to think about

links between topics• Just read through

short essays• Ignore different

angles

EXAM TECHNIQUE

DO• ANSWER THE

QUESTION• Structure your answer –

intro & conclusion • Provide supporting

evidence – historians’ views, examples

• Argue a focused but balanced case

• Give each answer sufficient time

DON’T• Rattle off all you know or

regurgitate• Lose sight of the question• Be vague• Fail to include evidence• Argue as if there’s only

one point of view• Be irrelevant or range out

of period• Leave too little time for

the last question

OTHER TIPS• Demonstrate breadth of knowledge (of

module themes or different countries)• If asked to address a particular aspect

don’t spend too long on other aspects unless they link directly to the question

• Check your facts – dates, rulers etc• Markers are impressed by range and

specificity (also check Marking Criteria)• Markers prefer legible scripts!

First Class (70+)1. Persuasive and direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of the issues concerned.2. Comprehensive coverage of the relevant material; accuracy in the details.3. A direct and coherent argument, well supported by relevant evidence.4. Critical analysis of relevant concepts, theoretical or historiographicalperspectives or methodological issues.5. Fluent and engaging writing style; persuasive presentation and structuring of arguments.6. Work which, in addition, displays evidence of creativity, originality,sophistication and freshness of arguments will be awarded marks of 75+Upper Second (60 – 69)1. Direct answer to the question, establishing the wider significance of theissues concerned.2. Adequate coverage of the relevant material, accuracy in the details.3. Skilful mobilisation of evidence in relation to the argument being presented.4. Narrative and description taking second place to analysis.5. Competent manipulation of relevant concepts, theoretical orhistoriographical perspectives or methodological issues.6. Fluent writing style; effective presentation and structuring of arguments.

EUROPEAN WORLD ROUNDUP SESSION

TUESDAY 13 MAY

12-2 p.m.

PHYSICS LECTURE THEATRE