"Explain"
Fact + Impact
1 mark per explained point
Always link with "This meant that…" or "As a result…". A fact on its own often gets nothing!
e.g. Landlords wanted sheep (fact). This meant that crofters were evicted (impact).
I always thought "Explain" meant "say it louder". Turns out it's a recipe! Like cake! 🎂
"Evaluate the usefulness"
Who + When + Why + Content + Omission
Usually 5 marks
Say who made the source, when, and why — and why that makes it useful. Then pick out useful content, and say what's missing.
e.g. It's useful because it was written by a crofter who saw the evictions first-hand…
"Describe"
Accurate fact + Fact + Fact…
1 mark per relevant fact
No need to explain — just give several correct, detailed points.
e.g. Ships were overcrowded. Food was scarce. Disease spread quickly.
"Compare"
Overall + Point-by-point
Usually 4 marks
Say whether the sources agree or disagree overall, then give matching points from each.
e.g. Source A says…, similarly Source B says…
"How fully…"
Source points + Recall + Judgement
Usually 6 marks
Say how fully it explains, use points from the source AND your own knowledge it misses.
e.g. The source partly explains… however it doesn't mention…
"To what extent"
Factors + Balance + Conclusion
Usually 9 marks
Give points for and against, then a conclusion with a reason.
e.g. Overall, the most important factor was… because…