HY4

1
HY4
THE OPEN ENDED SYNOPTIC ESSAY AT HY4 PERIOD
STUDY
2
HY4
UNIT 4  PERIOD STUDY 4  ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF
WALES AND ENGLAND, c.1880-1980   Answer TWO
questions, one from Section A and one from
Section B.  SECTION A   Choose ONE
question 1. Depression and austerity,
1929-1951  To what extent was the introduction of
the National Health Service the most significant
consequence of World War II? 2. Changes in
Wales, c.1945-1980  Discuss the view that the
growth of Welsh nationalism was the most
significant development in Wales between
1945-1980. 40    SECTION B  Choose ONE
question  Candidates are reminded that their
answers to this question should demonstrate a
synoptic approach and should draw together, where
appropriate, the political, social, economic,
religious and cultural aspects of the topic.   1.
Social Reform, c.1880-1980   To what extent
did social reform create a more equal society
between 1880-1980? 40 2. Britain and Europe,
c.1880-1980   "The fear of Russia was the main
driving force behind Britain's relationship with
Europe between 1880-1980." Discuss. 40
3
HY4
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC
UNIT 4  PERIOD STUDY 4  ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF
WALES AND ENGLAND, c.1880-1980   Answer TWO
questions, one from Section A and one from
Section B. SECTION B  Choose ONE
question   Candidates are reminded that their
answers to this question should demonstrate a
synoptic approach and should draw together, where
appropriate, the political, social, economic,
religious and cultural aspects of the topic.
From June 2010 we shall be re-writing the above
to make it clear to candidates that we expect
coverage of the entire period and involving an
appropriate range of factors rather than the more
mechanistic concentration on the PSERC aspects
shown above.
4
HY4
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC
UNIT 4  PERIOD STUDY 4  ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF
WALES AND ENGLAND, c.1880-1980   Answer TWO
questions, one from Section A and one from
Section B. SECTION B  Choose ONE
question   Candidates are reminded that their
answers to this question should demonstrate a
synoptic approach and should draw together, where
appropriate, the political, social, economic,
religious and cultural aspects of the topic.
 OVERVIEW COVERAGE OF 100 YEARS CHANGE OVER
TIME A WIDE RANGE OF FACTORS e.g. MILITARY,
IDEOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY in addition to the ones
shown above.
5
Generic mark grid the Period Study Outline Topic
6
Although many candidates do well at the synoptic
essay our experience is that in the SYNOPTIC
essay too many candidates
Failed to cover the full 100 years of the period
or did so in a mechanical fashion. Failed to
offer a judgement on the key issue set in the
question Failed to link the PESCR factors -
instead referring to each mechanically
7
WJEC HISTORY INSET
UNIT HY4 SYOPTIC ESSAY WRITING A COMMON BUT
FLAWED APPROACH
Paragraph 1 Introduction The trend here
is to tell the examiner what they intend to do
- or so to say that although was the main
reason there were other causes. Paragraph 2 -
Most candidates will usually write all they
remember about and by implication that
means only part of the period is covered.
Paragraph 3 4 5 etc They tend to devote these to
other reasons and sometimes even fail to
specifically mention the MAIN PESCR factors or
they devote a paragraph each to POLITICAL, SOCIAL
and ECONOMIC or RELIGIOUS factors. Finally
(SOMETIMES) - They SUM up as best as they can.
8
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC ESSAY WRITING

• In the period study synoptic essay we are looking
  for a range of skills.
•  
• They must answer the question set
• They must use know the material
• They must write well
• 4. They must analyse, evaluate and come to a
  judgement rather than just describe what happened
  in the past.
• They must cover the full 100() years of the
  course
• They must show the inter-connecting factors at
  least SOME of the MAIN factors
• Show an appreciation of the complexities of
  change over time

9
WJEC HISTORY INSET
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC ESSAYS
To what extent did social reform create a more
equal society between 1880-1980? 40

• Question the Question what I am expected to do?
• To what extent did
• Make sure you understand the question set
• it requires an evaluative approach and a
  judgement. 

10
WJEC HISTORY INSET
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC ESSAYS
To what extent did social reform create a more
equal society between 1880-1980? 40
Identify THE TOPIC THE DATE RANGE
To what extent did social reform create a more
equal society between 1880-1980? 40
11
WJEC HISTORY INSET
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC ESSAYS
To what extent did social reform create a more
equal society between 1880-1980? 40
Identify   THE TOPIC THE DATE RANGE THE FOCUS OF
THE QUESTION THE KEY WORDS
To what extent did social reform create a more
equal society between 1880-1980? 40
12
HY4
WRITING AN ESSAY
Write an answer in a nutshell Write down an
answer in a nutshell before starting the essay
e.g. although some in the Labour Government of
1945 may have considered that their mission was
to create a more equal society by social reform
that was not the intention before or after. Any
well argued and valid response is acceptable
the examiners are marking the response of the
candidate to the question set. Avoid the
narrative approach!
13
HY4
WRITING AN ESSAY
In the open ended SYNOPTIC essay we are looking
for a range of skills They need to cover
change and continuity over time They need to
show the inter-connectivity of factors making for
change over time   They must use the knowledge
they have to answer the question set and they
must write well. They must analyse, evaluate and
come to a judgement rather than just describe
what happened in the past.
14
WJEC HISTORY INSET
UNIT HY4 SYNOPTIC ESSAYS
Paragraph 1 Introduction keep it reasonably
short and directly related to the question set
set out the main point of your understanding of
the question use a good quotation to start or
some other attention grabbing method such as a
trenchant and pithy comment.  Paragraphs 2
5/6 develop an "Argument" by considering the
factors that would support the interpretation
presented and that you have considered
alternative ideas and interpretations. Make sure
you cover the full period of 100 years and
discuss how the event or issue in the question
was affected by the MAIN factors over that
period. Try and discuss how the event or issue
in the question fluctuated in importance during
the 100 years it will help to break the 100
years up into 2 or 3 sections and integrate the
response in each section.  Paragraph
 Conclusion a good conclusion must contain
reference to the main point of the argument
rather than a summary of your essay. Reinforce
your essay in the conclusion by reference to
historical opinion or with a good quotation.
Make sure your judgement is clearly stated.