RI Y5 SBCS Part (a) – Approaches & Examples 2023

A guide to approaching the SBS

Approaches to part (a) question

Approaches to tackling the part (a) question: Compare and contrast the evidence What is the purpose of the part (a) question: - To explain why the sources portray an issue (look at the question) in a similar/different way. It is NOT meant to focus on which perspective is more reliable than the other. Structure of response  Para 1: Identify apparent similarities. Support with specific quotations from both sources. Provide some explanations if quotations are not explicit.  Para 2: Explain reasons for the similarities  Para 3: Identify apparent differences. Support with specific quotations from both sources.  Para 4: Explanation reasons for the differences. *Apparent means what the sources say at face value.

Approaches to tackling the part (a) question: Compare and contrast the evidence Structure of response  How to write paragraphs on similarities/differences: X Sources A & B are different as Source A says “…” and B says “…” X Statement of similarity/difference is missing. Sentences are made up of a bundle of quotes. Once difference/similarity isn’t clearly expressed, it becomes difficult for your explanation to be effective. Examiners need to know what you’re explaining. √ Paragraphs must start with a clear topic statement of similarity/difference that directly answers the question. Followed by explicit evidence quoted from each source to support your answer.

Approaches to tackling the part (a) question: Compare and contrast the evidence Structure of response  How to explain why sources are different or similar. (More often than not, it is easier to explain why they are different) X This is not a reliability question. Avoid using your own contextual knowledge to test source arguments. Focus on explaining the specific portrayals (either difference / similarity) in both sources. √ Provenance is KEY. The technique to explain source portrayals is to think through every bit of information given in the provenance. This includes the (i) author/speaker, the (ii) audience/setting, and (iii) date. DO NOT gloss over the provenance . Provenance tells you: Who is speaking? To whom? In what setting? When was it said? All these tell you the “why”, purpose of the source: intended impact on audience

 Explaining the different portrayals of Sources A & B  Key questions to ask yourself: ➢ Why is the source saying things this way? ➢ What are possible interests or motivations which might have led source to exaggerate or to conceal? ➢ Trawl through Speaker, Audience, Date

Source-Based Case Study ORIGINS OF THE COLD WAR

(a) Compare and contrast the evidence provided in Sources B and E on the Soviet response to the Marshall Plan

(a) Compare and contrast the evidence provided in Sources B and E on the Soviet response to the Marshall Plan

How similar: Both sources are similar in/agree that… • The Soviets rejected the Marshall plan. • Source B states that Stalin “didn’t like it… [as] it was a ploy by Truman”. Similarly, Source E portrays Stalin walking away from the shop which represents the aid offered by Truman under the Marshall Plan. • The Soviets were not pleased that Eastern Europe was attracted to the Marshall Plan. • Source B states that Stalin “moved to stop the countries friendly to [the USSR] from taking part” in the Marshall Plan. Similarly, Source E portrays Stalin with a displeased look on his face as he observed how the Eastern European ladies were attracted to the “gowns” offered in Truman’s shop, which represents the Marshall Aid.