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Year 10 Core History 2014

Assessment Task # 2 Personality Study mini-essay response
Date: Week 5, Term 2 (The last period each class has that week. Teachers will advise their
students.)

Weighting:

20%

Time allowed: 25 minutes

Outcomes:
A student:
5.3
sequences major historical events to show an understanding of continuity, change and causation
5.4
identifies, comprehends and evaluates historical sources
5.5
uses sources appropriately in an historical inquiry
5.6
explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past
5.7
uses historical terms and concepts in appropriate contexts.
5.8
selects and uses appropriate oral, written and other forms, to communicate effectively about the past for
different audiences.
5.9
uses historical terms and concepts in appropriate contexts.
5.10
selects and uses appropriate oral, written and other forms, including ICT, to communicate effectively
about the past for different audiences.

Content to be assessed:
The material you have covered in your study of JFK and Alexander the Great.
Description of task:
In class, you will write ONE mini-essay response (25 minutes) on EITHER JFK OR Alexander
the Great.
You will choose ONE of these questions:
1. Describe THREE of JFKs important contributions to USA and / or international history.

OR
2. Describe THREE contrasting theories concerning the assassination of JFK.
OR
3. Describe THREE of Alexander the Greats important contributions to history.
NB in a 25 minute mini-essay response you will be expected to write between 400 and 500
words.

Criteria

Presents a sustained, logical, coherent and well-structured description in answer to the question.
Supported by relevant, accurate and detailed historical evidence.
Makes use of appropriate historical terms and concepts
Presents a sound, logical and well-structured description in answer the question.
Supported by accurate and relevant historical evidence.
Makes use of appropriate historical terms and concepts
Presents a structured description addressing some key points in the question. May lack breadth
and/or depth
Supported by adequate relevant and accurate historical evidence.
Incorporates some historical terms
A very limited description which is generalized and/or incomplete.
Provides limited relevant historical evidence.
Incorporates some historical terms
Identifies one or two key aspects of the topic
May be disjointed and/or very brief
Provides very limited relevant historical evidence.

Marks
13-15

10-12

7-9

3-6

12

Homework and Study during the Assessment period

For the 2 weeks preceding this task your homework in History will largely be to study for this
task. You should be spending at least the amount of time set down in the Homework Timetable
to study. Obviously any time spent over and above this would be beneficial and in fact to study
effectively, as outlined below, it will take a significant time commitment. Clearly in this period
your priorities may need to change a little and you may spend less time playing sport, watching
television or meeting friends to make time for your study.
How to prepare for this History task

Research your chosen topic thoroughly to ensure that you have found plenty of
reliable, relevant information.
Organise your information into paragraphs. Your description must be well-structured.
(NB in a mini-essay description task, your introduction and conclusion should be only
several sentences long.)
Make sure you have enough material to write fluently for 25 minutes (and no longer!)
Practise writing your response in timed conditions to a) memorise the data you will use
and b) ensure that you do not have too much or too little material for the time allowed.

If you have any further questions contact your class teacher or consult the School Diary which
has more information on effective study.

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1. Describe THREE contrasting theories concerning the assassination of JFK.

1.