Source Analysis Questions
A word used in the question that tells you how to answer and how much information to include
Is this a primary or secondary source?
What is the context of this image?
This was published in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party and the introduction of the Coercive Acts. There were high tensions between Britain and America and many people in England disagreed about whether there should be a war or not
What does boycott mean in the source?
Refuse to buy certain goods
How many hours of sleep should you be getting a night during exam period and while studying?
8 hours - It is important you allow time for your brain and body to rest and recover
How many marks are associated with identifying something?
1 mark per item you identify
What is the purpose of this source?
This source is aimed at people who enjoy reading about American History and wants to educate them about George Washington and his leadership
Why is Lord North a significant figure in the image?
He was the British Prime Minister at the time and many people believed he was mishandling the situation and making it worse.
Identify three roles women played in the Revolutionary War according to the source
- Produced Political Propaganda
- Served as spies
- Served as military messengers
- fought
List 2 activities that can help improve health and wellbeing during exam period
Exercise, mindfulness, catching up with friends, eat well, take breaks, sleep well, hydrate
What command term is a question worth 8 marks likely to have?
Evaluate
List two positive and two negative traits about George Washington that the author has identified in the source
Positive: Perseverance & Leadership, learned from experience
Negative: Not a brilliant strategist or tactician, not a gifted orator, not an intellectual, indecisive, poor judgment
Explain the point of the spilled teapot in the image?
The spilled teapot is a reference to the Boston Tea Party which occurred 1773 in protest of the British tax on tea. It was one of the major events leading up to the American Revolution and led to increasing tensions between the Americans and the British
Using your own knowledge and the source, outline why women were important to the war effort
Some key points to discuss
- Women played multiple roles during the war including producing propaganda, serving as spies and messengers (Source 3). Women were also used as numbers to boycott and protest
- Women had to step up and take traditionally male roles during the war as more men were fighting.
Describe 3 study techniques that you can utilise during revision?
Study games like Kahoot or blooket, create cue cards, complete practice exams, write notes, draw mind maps
Describe the difference between a primary and secondary source
A primary source comes from the time period being discussed whereas a secondary source was made after the time period likely by a historian.
Explain why perseverance was important for George Washington and the colonists, using the source and your background knowledge (4 marks)
Some key points to discuss
- Perseverance means persistence and the ability to keep working towards a goal despite having obstacles and setbacks
- George Washington lost some early battles (1776) and if he had given up America would have lost the war
- His perseverance allowed him to learn from his experiences (source 1) which allowed him to win other battles later in the war
- Valued perseverance greatly and encouraged others to have perseverance as well
- Without his perseverance, the colonists would not have won the war (Source)
Compare 'America in Flames' and 'Paying the Excise-Man' and what they are saying about the American Revolution (5 marks)
Some key points to discuss
- Both America in Flames and Paying the Excise Man were published in Britain in 1774 and both are political cartoons.
- Both reference key events in the American Revolution including the Boston Tea Party
- Paying the Excise-Man depicts Americans in a more brutal light and is criticising their resistance against the British
- American in Flames is more of a criticism of the British Government and their role in igniting the conflict
Using the source and your own knowledge, analyse one change and one continuity in the conditions for women in the new regime (6 marks) (VCAA, 2022)
Key points to discuss
- Ensure to discuss one change and one continuity
- Ensure to use the source and your background knowledge
- One change was that in some states like New York women were no longer allowed to vote (Source). While it was only property owning women that could vote this was fully taken away and it become only land owning men that could vote. This was done to ensure the balance of power stayed with the patriarchy and made it harder for women to become independent and have a say in the running of the government
- One continuity was that women stayed excluded from political power and weren't seen as equal under the law despite their contributions to the war effort. Women were dependant on their husbands or fathers due to the laws and systems in place like coverture
Name 2 resources where you could find mindfulness resources
Smiling Mind, Black Dog Institute, Apple Watch, Spotify
What four things should you look for when analysing a source?
Format, Context, Perspective, Purpose
Using the source and your own knowledge, explain the significance of George Washington's leadership during the War of Independence (5 marks). (VCAA Exam, 2022)
Some key points to discuss
- Washington was a layered figure
- Discuss early battle failures with reference to the source 'not a gifted strategist' and your own knowledge of Battle of Long Island (1776).
- He learnt from his experience and demonstrated perseverance (source 1)
- Discuss that his perservance allowed him to wn battles later in Trenton (1776), Saratoga (1777) and Valley Forge (1778)
- Without his leadership and reforms in the military American would not have won the War of Independence
- Check the 2022 examiners report for a high scoring response
Evaluate how increasing tensions between Britain and the American colonists led to revolution between 1774 and 4 July 1776. Use Source 2 and other evidence to support your response (10 marks). (VCAA, 2022)
Some key points to discuss
- Tensions were increasing due to British policies, colonial resistance and violent incidents
- America in Flames demonstrates that policies like the Quebec Bill and important places like Massachusetts had a strong impact on rising tensions as they are depicted blowing air on the flames
- The British policies like the Coercive acts or Intolerable Acts made the revolution more likely as many colonists believed the policies to be unfair and oppressive
- Lord North and King George III made the revolution much more likely by continuing to introduce these policies
- Ultimately once tensions get high enough and neither side is willing to compromise the revolution became unavoidable
Evaluate the extent to which the British Management of the colonies contributed to the outbreak of the revolution. Use evidence to support your answer (9 marks). (VCAA, 2022)
Some key points to discuss
- Make sure you support your answer with evidence. Can be from any of the sources and your own knowledge
- Mention key events and policies in the lead up to the war but don't mention everything. Starting with salutary neglect in 1763 to Intolerable Acts in 1774.
- Focus on how British Policy caused Colonial outrage
- The importance of Enlightenment Ideas and that Independence was inevitable
- Check the 2022 examiners report for a high scoring response (VCAA, 2022)
List 5 places you can reach out for support if you are stressed and overwhelmed
Family, Friends, Teachers, School Wellbeing, Kids Helpline, Headspace