Help - "Using Source X and your own knowledge..." Questions (1 Viewer)

[Lowell]

Hi there --

Currently have an assessment (first for HSC modern - eek!) relating to Core Study. It's a source analysis task.

Just to make sure I'm getting all my structure/etc. down, can someone run through how to respond to a question that runs along the lines of "Using Source X and your own knowledge, explain...etc.etc.etc."

Thanks!

 

[0bs3n3]

Would also like to know any tips. Bump.

 

[Arcorn]

Well you refer to the source a lot by saying something like 'according to source X' or "source X states' but you have to add in info that isn't in the sources provided. It shouldn't really be that hard to answer. But if it says your own knowledge make sure you do since the marker will be able to tell if you are just pulling everything from the sources unless you're really good at lying.

 

[accio.brain]

Specifically refer to "Source X", ie "Source X states..." (some markers say you can even highlight or underline it to make it clear where you've referred to it). Integrate your own knowledge with information from the source in your essay. Don't just generalise what the source says, make sure you use specific quotes from it.

 

[wendybird]

In answering the question:

ie. "Explain the factors for the creation of a situation of stalemate on the Western Front"

1) You should have your own points prepared regardless of what the sources say - this aspect is "your own knowledge".

Your points might be:
- The weapons of defence>weapons of offence
- The failure of the Schlieffen plan
- The relatively equal economic strength of the 2 sides leading to a protracted war of resources.
- inflexible leadership still in the thrall of "the cult of the offensive".

Having these points, you would likely write about 4 small paragraphs (2/3 lines per paragraph).

2) You read the sources again. Then fit the information in the source into your points. Lets say that Source A is a map showing how the Schlieffen plan was adjusted (ie. weakening of the swing). --> Voila! You know that in your paragraph about the Schlieffen plan, you will incorporate the information found on that map. Lets say source B is a quote from a soldier talking abou the impenetrability of barbed wire --> That fits into the paragraph on defence>offence.

3) You will then go about incorporating the source info.

In your paragraph abut the failure of the Schlieffen plan, you could write:

"The failure of the Schlieffen plan....caused bottlenecks at Leige and Aachen...allowed the allies to mobilise.... did not knock out France as planned, leaving the Germans to fight a two front war... --> this can be seen on Source A where the map indicates the weakening of the swing to strengthen the hinge

In your paragraph about defence>offense

"Weapons such as the machine gun, heavy cannons and artiller, barbed wire...ensured that defensive trench warfare brought the war to a stalemate....--> This is supported by Source B where a soldier recounts first hand the difficulty of penetrating barbed wire.

4) Integrating words you can use:

- this can be seen in Source X
- as evidenced in Source X
- this is supported by the words of persona Y in source X
- as highlighted in Source X
- an example of this is found in Source X
- persona Y in Source X supports this, stating " ____ "