Mastering Question 1: The 10-Mark Issue Question
Welcome to your guide for the very first question you will face in your Ancient History AS Level exams. Whether you are looking at the Greek paper (H007/01) or the Roman paper (H007/02), Question 1 is your "opening act." It is designed to test your core knowledge and your ability to think like a historian right from the start. Don't worry if you find exam technique a bit daunting—we are going to break this down into simple, manageable steps.
In this chapter, we will look at exactly what the examiners are looking for, how the marks are split, and the best way to structure your answer to get the highest possible grade.
What is Question 1?
Question 1 is known as the "issue" question. It is found in Section A of both components and is compulsory. Unlike later questions in the exam, this question is relatively short, worth 10 marks in total.
The question will focus on a specific "issue" or theme taken directly from the syllabus content. For example, it might ask about the causes of a conflict, the significance of a specific event, or the impact of an emperor’s policy.
Important Note: This question does not provide you with a source to read. You must rely entirely on the historical knowledge you have learned in class.
Understanding the Marks: AO1 and AO2
The 10 marks for this question are split exactly down the middle between two Assessment Objectives. To do well, you need to balance your answer between them:
1. AO1: Knowledge and Understanding (5 Marks)
This is the "What" part of your answer. You need to show that you know the facts. This includes:
- Accurate dates (e.g., the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC or the Constitutional Settlement in 27 BC).
- Key historical terms (e.g., medising, helots, principate, or the Imperial Cult).
- Naming the key people involved (e.g., Themistocles, Sejanus, or Agrippina).
2. AO2: Analysis and Evaluation (5 Marks)
This is the "So What?" part of your answer. You need to explain why the facts matter. You are expected to:
- Identify causation (why something happened).
- Explain consequence (what happened as a result).
- Argue significance (how important an event was).
- Identify change and continuity (how things stayed the same or became different).
Memory Aid: Think of AO1 as the "Ingredients" and AO2 as the "Cooking." You need the right facts, but you also need to mix them together to reach a conclusion!
What does an "Issue" look like?
The exam board pulls these questions from the "content points" listed in your syllabus. Here are some examples of the types of issues you might be asked to discuss:
For Greek History (H007/01):
"Explain the reasons why some Greek states chose to medise during the Persian Wars."
Here, the AO1 would be naming the states (like Thessaly or Thebes) and the AO2 would be explaining their motivations, such as fear of Persian power or local rivalries.
For Roman History (H007/02):
"Assess the significance of Augustus' building programme in Rome."
In this case, AO1 would be naming specific buildings (like the Forum of Augustus or the Ara Pacis) and AO2 would be explaining how these helped restore traditional Roman values and cement his power.
Step-by-Step: How to Structure Your Answer
Since you only have about 10–15 minutes for this question, you need to be fast and focused. A good strategy is to write two or three well-developed paragraphs. You can use the "PEEL" method to keep yourself on track:
- Point: Start with a clear sentence that directly answers the question.
- Evidence (AO1): Provide specific historical facts, names, and dates to support your point.
- Explanation (AO2): Explain how this evidence proves your point. Use "connective" words like "therefore," "consequently," or "this was significant because..."
- Link: Briefly link your point back to the overall "issue" mentioned in the question.
Top Tip: Don't just list facts! If you only provide AO1, you can only get a maximum of 5/10. You must explain the importance of those facts to get the AO2 marks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Spending too much time: Remember, this is only worth 10 marks. Don't write four pages and run out of time for the 20-mark and 30-mark questions later in the paper!
2. Forgetting the "Analysis": Students often tell the "story" of what happened but forget to explain why it happened or why it was important. Always ask yourself "Why does this matter to the question?"
3. Evaluating sources: This is a very common trap. Question 1 does NOT require AO3. You do not need to talk about whether Suetonius is biased or whether Herodotus is reliable here. Save those skills for Question 2 and Section B!
4. Going outside the time period: Stick strictly to the dates in the syllabus (492–404 BC for Greece; 31 BC–AD 68 for Rome). Mentioning the Emperor Hadrian or the Rise of Macedon will not get you marks here.
Quick Review: The Essentials
Time allowed: Approx. 15 minutes.
Marks: 10 (5 for AO1, 5 for AO2).
Source needed? No, use your own knowledge.
Focus: A specific historical issue, cause, or consequence.
Key Skill: Balancing factual detail with historical judgement.
Did you know? The term "medising" (used in the Greek paper) comes from the word "Medes," which the Greeks often used interchangeably with "Persians." To medise was essentially to "go over to the Persian side."
Key Takeaway
To succeed in Question 1, treat it as a mini-essay. State your point, back it up with specific names and dates, and then explain the impact or reasoning behind those events. Keep it focused, keep it factual, and keep it analytical!
For information on the next question in the exam, see the chapter: "Question 2: the 20-mark source-based mini-essay (AO1/AO3)".