Year 12 Modern History 2011

Assessment Task 2: Research Paper

Assessment Handed Out: Due: Weighting: Marks:

Task 2 22-3-2011 5-4-2011 20% /20

Submission Instructions
Your completed essay and attached annotated bibliography is to be handed in on
Period 3, Tuesday, Week 10, (April 5, 2011).

Aims of this task:

This task is designed to allow you to investigate key features and issues in the
history of Germany in the period of 1919 - 1939. You are required to use
historical skills such as researching, collating, synthesising, essay writing and
referencing to present a coherent argument.

Outcomes Assessed: H1.1, H1.2, H2.1, H3.2, H3.5, H4.1, H4.2

H1.1 describe the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups and events of
selected twentieth-century studies
H1.2 analyse and evaluate the role of key features, issues, individuals, groups and
events of selected twentieth-century studies
H2.1 explain forces and ideas and assess their significance in contributing to change
and continuity during the twentieth century
H3.2 locate, select and organise relevant information from different types of sources
H3.5 plan and present the findings of historical investigations, analysing and
synthesising information from different types of sources
H4.1 use historical terms and concepts appropriately
H4.2 communicate a knowledge and understanding of historical features and issues,
using appropriate and well-structured oral and written forms
What do you need to do?

• Undertake individual research to develop a deep understanding of the topic

• Revise and reflect on information and discussions undertaken in class.
• Carefully plan your response and find a range of sources to use as
evidence
• Research, using both primary and secondary sources, from a variety of
media (e.g. internet, books, journals, articles)
• Include a correctly formatted bibliography.

You will be assessed on your ability to:

• Present a logical, well-structured response
• Communicate using historical terminology and concepts
• Collect, analyse and organise information
• Present a correctly formatted bibliography

Cross Curricular Perspectives

ICT – word processing applications; electronic research to access information
Key Competencies - collecting, analysing and organising information;
communicating ideas and information, planning and organising activities
Values and Attitudes - the influence of the past on the future
The Task

You are required to research ONE of the following essay questions:

Essay Question(s):
1. To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles weaken democracy in Germany
between 1919 and 1925?

2. Account for the opposition that existed within Germany to a democratic

republic in the period to 1933.

3. Why were democratic forces within Germany unable to prevent Hitler’s rise to
power by 1933?

4. How vital was economic and social unrest to the growth of the Nazis in the
period to 1933?

5. Evaluate the impact of Nazi ideology on social, economic and cultural life in
Germany 1933-1939

Requirements:
• Word Limit: 1500 words
• The text must be processed, at size 12 font and with double-spaced lines.
• You must include a bibliography with appropriate referencing of all sources
used.
• To adequately show the extent of their research, students are
encouraged to include quotations/opinions from leading historians.
Modern History Assessment Criteria Task 2
Marks Assessment Criteria
• Addresses the question asked with a sophisticated and
sustained argument, which demonstrates a comprehensive
understanding of the issue(s) raised in the question
• Presents a logical, coherent and well–structured response
17-20 drawing on a clear identification of relevant key features
• Supports interpretation with detailed, relevant and
accurate historical information and makes use of appropriate
terms and concepts

• Addresses the question asked with a sound attempt at an

argument, which demonstrates a well–developed
understanding of the issue(s) raised in the question
13-16 • Presents a logical and well–structured response drawing
on relevant key features
• Provides detailed, relevant and accurate historical
information and makes use of appropriate terms and concepts

• Addresses the question asked with a relevant but largely

narrative or descriptive response which may contain implied
understanding of the issue(s) raised in the question
9-12 • Presents a structured response, with some identification
of the key features
• Provides adequate, relevant and accurate historical
information incorporating some historical terms

• Presents a narrative or descriptive response, which is

largely relevant but may be generalized AND/OR incomplete
• Presents a simple response, with some identification of
5-8 the key features
• Provides limited, relevant and accurate historical
information incorporating some historical terms

• Attempts a narrative or description, which may be only

generally relevant AND/OR seriously incomplete.
1–4 • May be disjointed AND/OR very brief
• Provides very limited historical information