The 8 Mark "Explain the Two Ways X and Y are Similar" Question: Migration, Empires & the People (Q3) (AQA GCSE History)

Summary of Question Three

• Question Three requires you to identify and explain two ways in which two groups, individuals or developments were similar

• It requires a common theme or factor that connects the two focuses of the question

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

• In previous years, this question has focused on the following topics in Migration, Empires and the People:

How to Explain How Historical Events & People Are Similar

• The thematic study tests you on the way that you explain continuity over time. To help you to do this, remember that:

  • The thematic study is divided into four different time periods

  • A question could:

    • Select any two of these four periods

    • Focus on two events of people across the four time periods

    • Compare a common area across two periods, for example, expansion

  • Seven factors connect the time periods. For Migration, Empires and the People, these are:

    • War

    • Religion

    • Government

    • Economic resources

    • Science and technology

    • Ideas such as imperialism, social Darwinism and civilisation

    • The role of individuals.

• You could use these factors to find similarities between events and people

  • For the example question, a similar factor between Huguenot migration and Jewish migration is religion

 How to Answer a “Explain the Two Ways X and Y are Similar” Question

• When answering an "Explain the Two Ways X and Y are Similar" question you need to: 

  • Read the question carefully 

  • Include specific and relevant knowledge

    • From both time periods 

  • Make a direct comparison  between the two events or people

    • For the example answer, a direct comparison is the positive impact of Huguenot and Jewish migration on British society

  • Explain how the two events of people are similar

• To access Level 4 (7-8 marks):

  • Use the seven factors in the Migration, Empires and the People course to explain the similarities

  • Consider short- and long-term causes and consequences of the two people or events

How to Structure the “Explain the Two Ways X and Y are Similar” Question

• Your answer should consist of: 

  • Specific relevant knowledge 

  • Complex explanations showing:

    • How both events and people are similar

    • Using the seven factors 

    • Identifying causes and consequences

• Your answers could be written in PEE paragraphs: 

  • P- Make a point about the question

  • E- Include knowledge to support the point you have made

    • Focused on the two people or events mentioned in the question 

    • Show knowledge to demonstrate similarities between the two people or events

    • Use phrases like "similarly" to directly compare the two people or events

  • E- Explain the question

    • Focus on the key demands of the questions 

    • Include a complex explanation showing your understanding of the factors

• To achieve full marks, you need to repeat this twice 

Worked Example of the “Explain the Two Ways X and Y are Similar” Question

Explain two ways in which Huguenot migration and Jewish migration to Britain were similar

[8 marks]

Answers:

One way in which Huguenot migration and Jewish migration to Britain were similar was that both groups fled due to religious reasons. In 1685, King Louis XIV of France took away the protestants’ freedom in France. Fearing for their lives, 40,000 to 50,000 Huguenots migrated to Britain, a protestant country. Similarly, during the 1880s, Jews face huge discrimination in Russia mainly as a result of the death of Tsar Alexander II being blamed on them. Thousands were persecuted and many faced pogroms (violent attacks) and so, due to their religion, they were forced to migrate to Britain. Therefore, the Huguenot and Jewish migration to Britain are similar because religious persecution forced them to flee.

Another way in which Huguenot migration and Jewish migration to Britain were similar was their impacts on British society. The Huguenots were skilled glass makers and silk makers. This improved Britain’s economy because many prosperous Huguenot merchants with strong trade links to the Netherlands moved to Britain. Similarly, many Jewish people were skilled poets, writers and businessmen. They created large Jewish communities in places like Liverpool and the East End of London. This developed Britain’s culture. Therefore, Huguenot and Jewish migration to Britain are similar because they positively impacted Britain and helped Britain develop.