GCE AS LEVEL Exemplifying Examination Performance History Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia (AH121)

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1 GCE AS LEVEL Exemplifying Examination Performance History Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia (AH121) For first teaching from September 2008 This is an exemplification of candidates performance in AS examinations (Summer Series 2009) to support the teaching and learning of the History specification

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3 CCEA GCE History from September Assessment Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia (AH121/5) Exemplification of Grade A and Grade D Responses This section contains: Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Question Paper Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade A Response Commentary Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade D Response Commentary 53

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5 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Question Paper 55

7 New Specification ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS) General Certificate of Education 2009 History Assessment Unit AS 2 [AH121] *AH121* AH121 THURSDAY 11 JUNE, MORNING TIME 1 hour 30 minutes. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number on the Answer Booklet provided. Answer two questions from your chosen option. You must answer parts (i) and (ii) of your chosen questions. Indicate clearly on your Answer Booklet which option you have chosen. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES The total mark for this paper is 60. Quality of written communication will be assessed in all questions. All questions carry equal marks, i.e. 30 marks for each question

8 Answer two questions from your chosen option. You must answer parts (i) and (ii) of your chosen questions. Option 5 Russia Either 1 (i) Explain why Stolypin introduced land reforms in Russia between 1906 and [8] (ii) To what extent were economic problems responsible for the outbreak of revolution in Russia in 1905? [22] Or 2 (i) Explain Lenin s economic objectives for Russia between 1917 and [8] (ii) The effects of the First World War were responsible for the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II in February How far would you agree with this statement? [22] Or 3 (i) Explain the causes of the Bolshevik Revolution of October [8] (ii) Trotsky was mainly responsible for Bolshevik success in the Civil War in Russia between 1918 and To what extent would you accept this verdict? [22] Or 4 (i) Explain the aims of Stalin s economic policies for the Soviet Union between 1928 and [8] (ii) How far would you agree that terror was the most important basis of Stalin s power in the Soviet Union between 1929 and 1941? [22] 58

9 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade A Response 59

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23 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade A Commentary 73

25 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Commentary on grade A response for Assessment Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia Question 3(i) Explain the causes of the Bolshevik Revolution of October [8] This response acknowledges the errors of the Provisional Government, the role of the Soviets, the problems of Dual Authority and the significance of the Kornilov episode and was credited accordingly. This response could be improved with reference to the importance of Lenin and the role of Trotsky. This response was assessed as a Level 3. Question 3(ii) Trotsky was mainly responsible for Bolshevik success in the Civil War in Russia between 1918 and To what extent would you accept this verdict? [22] This response offers a well informed and sustained assessment of the proposition. There is a good concise opening paragraph which identifies the key areas which are going to be discussed in more depth and detail. The second paragraph presents a well developed analysis of Trotsky s role in the Civil War and explains how it contributed to the success of the Bolsheviks. The third paragraph analyses the role of Lenin with his use of Red terror to maintain control as well as noting the importance of War Communism. The next paragraph accurately identifies the strengths of the Reds compared with their opponents, the Whites. This demonstrates skill in arguing and making substantial judgements. The response in the fifth paragraph presents a strong assessment of the weaknesses of the Whites, such as their poor organisation, divisions and lack of leadership. This point is developed further in the next paragraph by making incisive comparisons between the disadvantages of the Whites compared with the Reds and their leader Trotsky. The penultimate paragraph deals with the role of foreign intervention before presenting a strong conclusion in the last paragraph. Overall, this response is a comprehensive assessment of the proposition and other relevant factors. Knowledge was deployed in an accurate and selective manner to support very well developed and sustained analytical judgements. This response was assessed as a Level 4. 75

26 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Question 4(i) Explain the aims of Stalin s economic policies for the Soviet Union between 1928 and [8] This response covers most of the main points outlined in the mark scheme. The response begins with a relevant quote before outlining in the next two paragraphs some of Stalin s economic aims such as developing industry, his desire to be self-sufficient, the intention to transform the USSR economically and the need for Collectivisation. This was a commendable response demonstrating a clear and accurate awareness of the aims of Stalin s economic policies for the USSR in this period. For higher marks, the response could have included comments on either the importance of the policy of Collectivisation or Stalin s fear of the West. This response was assessed as a Level 4. Question 4(ii) How far would you agree that terror was the most important basis of Stalin s power in the Soviet Union between 1929 and 1941? [22] This response offers a comprehensive and sustained assessment of the proposition. There is a good concise introduction in the first paragraph identifying some of the key areas to be discussed in more depth and detail. The second paragraph presents a well informed and sustained analysis of Stalin and the role of terror in this period. It also refers to the murder of Kirov and how this led to the purges, as well as discussing their effects upon the USSR. The third paragraph analyses the role of the Secret Police and how Stalin had their leaders shot. This is followed in the next paragraph by an accurate reference to the Gulag system. The response then includes a lengthy paragraph which compares the role of terror against the other methods in which Stalin s control over the party was an important aspect of his power base in this period. At the end of this paragraph an excellent point is made as to how Stalin s control extended down to grass roots level. Two good paragraphs follow, which assess the role of the personality cult and culture, demonstrating an appreciation of how Stalin used propaganda to strengthen his control. This is followed by some references to the Cultural Revolution in the third last paragraph. The penultimate paragraph refers to how Stalin used his economic policies to strengthen his power base. The response is concluded with a concise evaluation of the proposition. This response was assessed as a Level 4. 76

27 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade D Response 77

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37 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia: Grade D Commentary 87

39 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Commentary on grade D response for Assessment Unit AS 2 Option 5 Russia Question 2(i) Explain Lenin s economic objectives for Russia between 1917 and [8] A brief reference to some of Lenin s slogans is followed by a comment on the need to end Russia s involvement in the First World War. Thereafter the response digresses, with notable gaps in knowledge regarding economic objectives such as the NEP and the political agenda which impacted on economic aims. This response was assessed as a Level 1. Question 2(ii) The effects of the First World War were responsible for the downfall of the Tsar Nicholas II in February How far would you agree with this statement? [22] Following a brief introduction, the response digresses from the proposition in the second paragraph by making references to the events of However, the answer failed to make a link between the events of 1905 and the Tsar s downfall in The response then contains a long paragraph dealing with some effects of the war, such as the Tsar s decision to go to the front line, however, the answer ignores his official role by Credit is earned with the observations regarding the military and economic problems which Russia faced between 1914 and The roles of the Tsarina and Rasputin could have been developed further, while the narrative on the events leading to the end of the Tsar fail to enhance the answer. A higher award would have been forthcoming if some evidence had pointed to the loss of support which proved fatal to the Tsar s prospects. Examples are the army, its leadership and elites the traditional pillars of society. This response was assessed as a Level 2. Question 3(i) Explain the causes of the Bolshevik Revolution of October [8] In this response there is a lack of clarity about the evidence regarding the role of the Provisional Government and the propaganda of the Bolsheviks. A higher mark would have been awarded if the response had included a sharper focus on the mistakes/misfortunes of the Provisional Government and the role of Lenin and Trotsky who exploited the political circumstances of 1917 to their advantage. This response was assessed as a Level 2. 89

40 CCEA GCE History from September 2008 Question 3(ii) Trotsky was mainly responsible for Bolshevik success in the Civil War in Russia between 1918 and To what extent would you accept this verdict? [22] The response makes brief and limited references to valid evidence regarding the role of Trotsky, the shortcomings of the Whites and the role of the Reds. For a higher level award, the aforementioned could have received more sustained treatment, with additional discussion regarding the impact of Lenin and policies such as War Communism. This response was assessed as a Level 3. 90