Introduction to Question 2: The Source-Based Mini-Essay

Welcome to your guide for mastering Question 2! This is a 20-mark question that appears on both Paper 1 (Greek) and Paper 2 (Roman). It is often called a "mini-essay" because it requires a structured argument, but its main goal is to see how well you can work with ancient sources.

Think of this question as a detective's report. You are given one piece of evidence (the stimulus source) on the exam paper, and you have to bring in your own evidence (other prescribed sources) to solve a historical puzzle.

The Mark Breakdown: Understanding AO1 and AO3

In this question, the marks are split between two "Assessment Objectives":

  • AO1 (5 marks): This is for your knowledge. You need to show you understand the historical facts, dates, and events surrounding the question.
  • AO3 (15 marks): This is the "heavy hitter." Three-quarters of your marks come from how you use, analyse, and evaluate the ancient sources.

Key Takeaway: You cannot get a high grade just by knowing the history. You must prove you can look at a source and explain why it was written, how reliable it is, and how it helps us understand the period.

The Two "Ingredients" for Your Answer

To succeed in Question 2, you must use two types of source material:

  1. The Stimulus Material: This is a passage or image printed directly on your question paper. You must refer to this in your answer.
  2. Other Ancient Sources: These are the sources you have studied in class (such as Herodotus, Thucydides, Tacitus, or Suetonius). You need to bring these in from memory to support or challenge the stimulus material.

Note: For more details on these specific writers, see the chapters on "Set sources for H007/01" and "Set sources for H007/02".

How to Analyse a Source (The AO3 Skills)

When you look at the stimulus source or your own sources, don't just say what they say. You need to "interrogate" them. Ask yourself:

1. Context: When and where?

What was happening when this was written? For example, if Thucydides is writing about the Peloponnesian War, it matters that he was a former general who lived through it. If Augustus is writing the Res Gestae, it matters that he is writing it at the very end of his life to secure his legacy.

2. Purpose and Audience: Why and for whom?

Is the author trying to make an emperor look good (like Velleius Paterculus) or trying to warn future politicians about the dangers of power (like Tacitus)? Sources are rarely "neutral."

3. Usefulness and Limitations: What's the catch?

A source might be very useful because it gives us a first-hand account, but it might have limitations because the author was biased, or they weren't present for the events they are describing (like Suetonius writing about Gaius/Caligula years after he died).

Did you know? Even a "unreliable" source or a "biased" source is still useful! It tells us how the people of the time wanted the story to be told.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Answer

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; following a simple structure will help you stay on track.

Step 1: The Mini-Introduction
Briefly state your argument. Address the "issue" mentioned in the question immediately.

Step 2: Analyse the Stimulus Source
Look at the passage on the paper. What does it tell us about the topic? Why might this specific author be saying this? Use phrases like: "The stimulus source suggests that... however, we must consider that the author's purpose was to..."

Step 3: Bring in "Other" Sources
Now, bring in your own "witnesses." Does another source agree with the stimulus? For example, if the stimulus source shows Nero as a villain, you might bring in Suetonius to provide more examples of his behavior, or Tacitus to show a different political perspective.

Step 4: Comparison and Judgment
Compare the sources. Which one is more reliable for this specific event? Reach a substantiated judgement (a conclusion backed up by evidence).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring the Stimulus: Some students write a great essay using their own knowledge but forget to talk about the passage printed on the paper. This will cap your marks!
  • Retelling the Story: Don't just narrate what happened in 431 BC or during the reign of Tiberius. Keep the focus on how the sources tell the story.
  • "Shopping List" Evaluation: Avoid just listing facts about an author (e.g., "Herodotus is the father of history"). Instead, explain why Herodotus’s background affects the specific point you are making.
  • Quoting from Memory: The syllabus states passages must never be quoted from memory. Paraphrase your external sources instead.

Quick Review: Top Tips for Question 2

Key Takeaways:

  • Focus on AO3 (Source Analysis) — it is worth 75% of the marks.
  • Always use the Stimulus Material provided on the paper.
  • Balance the stimulus with at least 1-2 other ancient sources you have studied.
  • Consider the context and purpose of every source you mention.
  • Reach a clear conclusion that answers the question directly.

By treating the sources as tools to build an argument rather than just facts to be memorised, you will find Question 2 much easier to handle!