Exam Question Types Overview
You'll face three main question types in your American West exam, each worth 8 marks. The "consequences" questions ask you to explain what happened as a result of specific events like the Fort Laramie Treaty or the Gold Rush. Think cause and effect - what changed because of this event?
Narrative account questions want you to tell the story of historical developments whilst analysing how events connected. You might write about the growth of the cattle industry from 1865-74, linking events like the Goodnight-Loving Trail to the introduction of barbed wire. These aren't just stories - you need to show how one thing led to another.
The "importance" questions test whether you can evaluate why something mattered. For example, you might explain why the First Transcontinental Railroad was crucial for western settlement. Focus on the bigger picture and long-term effects.
Top Tip: Each question type needs a different approach - consequences focus on results, narratives on connected events, and importance on significance and impact.
