Describing two features of a period (6 marks)

Mastering the 6-Mark "Features" Question

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you tackle the very first question you will encounter in Paper 2, Section A (Historical Investigations). This question asks you to "Describe TWO features of..." a specific topic. Because it only targets AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding), it is a fantastic opportunity to bank 6 marks quickly at the start of your exam.

Don't worry if you find writing under pressure difficult—this question doesn't require complex arguments or essays. It just wants to see what you know!

What is a "Feature"?

In History, a feature is simply a characteristic, a specific part, or a distinctive element of a period, event, or person.

Think of it like describing a smartphone to someone who has never seen one:
- Feature 1: It has a touch-sensitive glass screen used for navigation.
- Feature 2: It has a built-in camera that can take high-resolution photos.

In your exam, you will do the exact same thing, but using historical facts instead of gadgets.

The Structure of the Question

In the exam, the question will look like this:
"Describe TWO features of EITHER [Option A] OR [Option B]."

Important Note: You only choose one of the two options provided. For example, it might ask you to describe features of the Schlieffen Plan OR the Zimmermann Telegram. Pick the one you know the most about!

How the marks are awarded:

Each feature is worth 3 marks, making 6 marks in total.

1. Identify the feature (1 mark): State a basic fact or characteristic.
2. Add supporting detail (2 marks): Add specific facts, names, dates, or examples to explain that feature further.

Warning: If you only describe one feature, the maximum mark you can get is 3, even if your description is perfect! Always aim for two separate points.

Step-by-Step: The "Point-Detail" Method

To ensure you get all 6 marks without wasting time, use this simple two-step formula for each feature:

Step 1: The "Point" sentence.
Start your paragraph clearly. Use the words from the question.
Example: "One feature of the Roaring Twenties was the changing role of women..."

Step 2: The "Detail" sentences.
Add 1-2 sentences of specific evidence. Think about the Who, What, Where, or Why.
Example: "...specifically the 'Flappers'. These were young, urban women who wore shorter skirts, cut their hair into bobs, and challenged traditional boudaries by smoking or drinking in public."

Step 3: Repeat for the second feature.
Start a new paragraph to show the examiner you have moved on to your second point.

Model Answer Example

Topic: Historical Investigation A3 (The USA, 1918–41)
Question: Describe TWO features of the "Flappers" in the 1920s.

Feature 1:
One feature of the Flappers was their distinctive fashion and appearance. (1 mark) Instead of wearing restrictive corsets, they wore loose "shift" dresses with hemlines above the knee. They also cut their hair into short bobs and wore heavy make-up, which was a significant change from the modest Victorian styles of their mothers' generation. (+2 marks)

Feature 2:
Another feature of the Flappers was their more independent social behavior. (1 mark) Many Flappers held jobs and had their own disposable income, which they used to go to jazz clubs and speakeasies. In these venues, they would smoke and dance the 'Charleston', activities that were previously considered socially unacceptable for respectable women. (+2 marks)

Total: 6/6 Marks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing too much: This is only a 6-mark question. You should spend about 5–7 minutes on it. Don't write a whole page; two clear paragraphs are enough.
2. Being too vague: Avoid saying things like "The war was bad" or "People were angry." Instead, say why it was bad or how people showed they were angry with specific examples.
3. Overlapping features: Make sure your two features are distinct. If you write about "new technology" as your first feature and then "radio" as your second, you might lose marks because they are basically the same thing. Keep them separate!

Quick Review Checklist

Key Takeaways:

- You must describe two features to get full marks.
- You usually have a choice between two topics (Either/Or).
- Use the Point-Detail method for each feature.
- Focus on AO1: clear, factual knowledge.
- Aim for 3 marks per feature (1 for the point, 2 for the supporting detail).

Did you know? In Paper 2, Section A, the topics you will be asked about come from the "Historical Investigation" you studied, such as The Origins of the First World War, Russia and the Soviet Union, The USA 1918-41, The Vietnam Conflict, or East Germany. Make sure you have at least three or four specific features memorized for every major event in your topic!

Next steps: If you are comfortable with describing features, you can move on to the next skill: "Comprehending and cross-referring two sources (8 marks)".