The 12 Marker "Bullet Point" Question: America 1920-1973 (Q6) (AQA GCSE History)

Revision Note

Natasha Smith

Written by: Natasha Smith

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Summary of Question Six

  • Question Six requires you to evaluate the two bullet points which refer to a given issue 

  • The bullet points given will:

    • Include information across the America: 1920 - 1973 unit 

    • Be a direct comparison of two key groups or events

      • For example, in the America: 1920 - 1973 unit, the bullet points could be on Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, the New Deal and Effects of the Second World War, Flappers and traditional women of the 1920s

Amount of marks 

12

The time that you should spend on the question 

No more than 20 minutes 

  • An example of the type of question you may encounter can be seen below:

Question Six for America 1920-1973
An example of Question Six in Paper 1A
  • In previous years, this question has focused on the following topics in American history:

Year of Exam 

Question Topic 

2018

Social and economic problems in America during the 1920s

2019

Improvements in the American economy after the Depression

2020

Changes to American society after 1950

2021

The impact of President Hoover and President Roosevelt on the Great Depression in America

2022

The impact of prohibition and immigration on American society in the 1920s

Sample 1

The increase in opportunities in 1920s America 

Sample 2

Campaigning in the 1960s and 1970s 

Making Judgements in History

  • The 12-mark question relies on your ability to weigh all the evidence and state your opinion. Students often find this part the hardest to do 

  • There are some common mistakes when making a judgement, they include: 

    • Not giving a clear judgement. Students do this by: 

      • Explaining that both bullet points are important 

      • Failing to decide which bullet point is more important 

      • Using language in their answer which is not decisive e.g. “kind of” or“maybe” 

  • Contradicting your judgements

    • Students sometimes haven’t planned their answers properly. They start to write their answer with one judgement and then change their opinion halfway through 

    • Doing this means that there is not a sustained judgement and you can not access Level 4 (10- 12 marks) 

Good judgements will:

  • Explain one bullet point is more important than the other

    • There is no "right" or "wrong" answer in History

    • If you are unsure of your opinion, pick the side of the argument that you have better or more evidence to support

  • Consider the other side of the argument

    • Even if you fully agree with one of the bullet points, you still need to present evidence for the other bullet point

  • Sustain your judgement throughout your answer 

    • Your judgement should be used to structure your answer and help you explain 

    • This is why planning your answer is important

What Makes a Great Conclusion in GCSE History?

  • Conclusions are usually where most of your judgement marks will be awarded

  • Students often rush their conclusions so they are not as developed as they could be

  • All great conclusions have these three elements:

    • Judgement – Start with your opinion. Try to include the words from the question. Consider second-order concepts like short- and long-term consequences, change and continuity and significance

    • Counter – Give an example from the other side of the argument to show your awareness of this

    • Support – Explain why, after considering all the evidence, you have reached your judgement. Use your best piece of evidence to show your opinion

How to Answer a “Bullet Point” Question

  • When answering a “Bullet Point” question you need to: 

    • Read the question carefully 

    • Plan your answer. This will help you to: 

      • Decide which bullet point you will support

      • Have a logical and concise argument 

      • Have a substantiated judgement 

      • Achieve the higher levels

        • Examiners argue those who plan their answers, achieve higher marks

    • Explain both bullet points in your answer

“Bullet Point” Question Structure

  • Your answer should consist of: 

    • Specific knowledge 

    • Relevant evidence 

    • Substantiated judgement 

    • A conclusion 

  • Your answers could be written in PEEL paragraphs: 

    • P - Make a point about the question

      • This should include your judgement 

    • E - Use evidence that supports the point that you have made

      • Evidence needs to be relevant and specific 

    • E - Explain why this evidence supports your point

    • L - Link your explanation back to the question by stating how it is more or less important than the other bullet point 

Worked Example of a “Bullet Point” Question

Worked Example

Which of the following was the most important reason why the American economy improved after the Depression?

  • New Deal Policies 

  • The Second World War 

[12 marks]

Answer:

The New Deal had a major impact on the American economy, however, this was not the most important reason. Roosevelt introduced alphabet agencies that involved industry, farmers, the unemployed, and land. The alphabet agencies got people back to work and provided millions of Americans with valuable skills. Roosevelt also introduced the Emergency Banking Act which resulted in some banks in America re-opening Roosevelt’s alphabet agencies, which meant nearly everyone could get back to work. Roosevelt created the PWA which got skilled workers back out there, and the WPA which employed photographers, writers and artists. Although Roosevelt's New Deal had a positive impact on the American economy it was not the most important reason why the economy improved after the Depression because in 1941 there were still 6 million Americans unemployed, America’s entry into World War Two ended unemployment in America. 

The Second World War was the most important reason why the American economy improved after the Depression. The Second World War ended unemployment as large industries were making things like planes and smaller industries were making ammunition. American farmers also prospered as they were making 50% of the world’s food as they were so far away that they couldn’t be attacked on the mainland. America was very prosperous after World War Two due to lend-lease, in which the loaned countries like Britain, France, Russia and China over $50 billion worth of equipment and weapons. The Second World War was the most important reason why the American economy improved after the Depression because it had a greater positive impact on the American economy as it ended unemployment, made the American economy prosperous and created new industries. The Second World War was the more important reason because it improved the American economy in ways that Roosevelt's New Deal failed to do

Overall, the most important reason why the American economy improved after the Depression was due to the Second World War. Although the New Deal did have a positive impact on the American economy in 1941, there were still 6 million unemployed people in America. However, the Second World ended unemployment and rebuilt America’s workforce, which the New Deal failed to do. 

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Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.