Assessment Related Information

Assessment at a Glance

Candidates take two compulsory components, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.

Components	Weighting
Paper 1 The history and culture of Pakistan                         1 hour 30 minutes Section A (25 marks) – candidates answer one compulsory question made up of four parts: (a), (b), (c), and (d), which are linked by a common theme. Parts (a) and (b) are source-based questions using historical sources, either text or pictures/graphic. Candidates use and interpret each source in answering the questions. Section B (50 marks) – candidates answer two questions from a choice of four. Each question has three parts: one part testing knowledge (4 marks): A factual answer of no more than one short paragraph is required. one part testing knowledge and understanding includes selecting relevant and appropriate information (7 marks): Answers require at least two paragraphs of writing. one part testing knowledge, understanding and analytical and evaluative ability (14 marks): This includes the ability to synthesise information, the appropriate use of selected relevant examples and the ability to compare and contrast. This question should be answered in an essay, in continuous prose of approximately two pages of writing, not in note form. Total 75 marks. Externally assessed.	50%
And:
Paper 2 The environment of Pakistan                                   1 hour 30 minutes Candidates answer three questions (25 marks each) from a choice of five. Each question: consists of four separate parts: (a), (b), (c) and (d); each part may be divided into one or more sub-parts requires the ability to interpret and analyse resources in the question; there may be diagrams, graphs, maps, photographs, tables and written material. Part (d) of each question specifically assesses analysis skills. requires the evaluation of information. Total 75 marks. Externally assessed.	50%

Notes:

1. All answers must be written in English
2. Timing guidelines

Candidates should spend approximately 30 minutes on each question in each paper. Within that, candidates need to allocate time according to the value of the marks awarded in each part of each question.

Syllabus Aims and Assessment Objectives

Syllabus Aims

The History and Culture of Pakistan

This part of the syllabus aims to provide insights into the origins, creation and development of Pakistan, and encourages discussion of issues facing Pakistan. It aims to enable candidates to:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of the human past
• investigate historical events, changes, people and issues
• develop understanding of how the past has been represented and interpreted
• develop an understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence
• organise and communicate knowledge and understanding of history
• develop and stimulate an interest and enthusiasm for history and acquire a basis for further historical study
• develop an understanding of the nature of cause and consequence, continuity and change and similarity and difference.

The Environment of Pakistan

This part of the syllabus aims to give candidates a knowledge and understanding of the importance to the people and country of Pakistan of its physical characteristics, human and natural resources, economic development, population characteristics, and of their inter-relationships.

Assessment Objectives

1. Recall, select, use and communicate knowledge and understanding
2. (For Component 1 Only) Demonstrate an understanding of the past through explanation, interpretation, analysis and evaluation of:
• key concepts: causation, consequence, continuity, change and significance within an historical context
• key features and characteristics of the periods studied and the relationships between them
3. (For Component 2 Only) Apply knowledge and understanding of physical and human environments and issues through explanation, analysis and evaluation
4. Apply skills and interpret a variety of environmental and historical resources/sources