How to answer a describe two features question


In the exam you might be asked to describe the features of something from the Medieval period.  This type of question is worth 4 marks and is quite straight forward.

An example of this type of question is:
Describe two features of landholding in the years 1189-1216
(4 marks)
or
Describe two features of the relationship between vassals and their lords in the feudal hierarchy.
(4 marks)

You will be given a source to help you with this question.

For example:
Source B
An example of forfeiture taken from local court records in the reign of King John. The source is referring to the period 1200-14 when John was fighting against the French King Philip II.

‘…the manor of Chinnole along with the Hamlet of Sydenham was held…[by Walter de Vernon] from the Lord king of England…as one knight’s fee. [B] ecause Walter de Vernon refused to perform his due service from the manor to King John (in the time of the war which sprang up between the king and the king of Franc, [the king]…seized that manor together with its [lands] and removed Walter de Vernon…from the possession of the manor forever.

Now think:
What is a feature?
A feature is something that is distinctive or characteristic – we can tell one person from another, for example, because of their distinctive facial features. When a question asks for two features of something, think about the special characteristics of that something.

So take each question in turn.
  • For each one identify two features.
  • For each feature - say why it is a feature and try to use some evidence from the source to support your point.

Now read your answer, have you identified two features and explained them?  Is your answer explained clearly with a logical structure?

If so - well done.

The slides on this PowerPoint will help and provide you with an example.

Comments

  1. Unknown17 March 2019 at 12:08

    would love to see this but for the 12 and 16 mark questionsX was very helpful

    ReplyDelete

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