GCSE question stem guidance: The Elizabethans

British depth study

Q7: The Elizabethans, 1580–1603

Tests ability to explain how and why
two interpretations differ

Typical question stem:

• ‘Interpretations B and C both focus on … How far do they differ and what might explain any differences?’                                                                              (12 marks)

• Refer clearly to both interpretations.
• Consider:

P - Purpose

A – Author/Audience

N – Nature (type of source)

D – Date

A - Accuracy (context).   

• Two parts – how they differ (content) and why they differ (provenance).
• Consider both similarities and differences.
• Consider whether one is more positive and one more negative.