How to deal with a subject.

Read the subject

• Look at the question. It always follows the same pattern: “Using the documents and your knowledge...”. The specific part of the question usually suggests a plan. In our example, (1) the situation of Britain in 1940 (both the map and Churchill's speech deal with that) and (2) how Churchill reacted (based on the excerpt of a speech by Churchill).
• If it is a picture (photo, cartoon, map) observe the document carefully, look at the captions if any, if it is a text, read it (preferably twice).
• To be oblivious of the documents would be a grievous mistake!

Describe the documents

• A description in depth is required to develop a relevant analysis of the documents.
• Describing the documents is necessary: it isn't a waste of time!
• If you are talking about a map, cartoon, photo: what do we see ? (on the right, on the left ? in the foreground ? in the background ?)
• If your document is a text a text: what kind of document is it (a speech, a newspaper article, a treaty, etc.)

Analyze them

• Whose standpoint does it represent ?
• Think about the way the different documents relate to each other, show that you understand the subject and its intentions.
• What about the message (ideas) conveyed by the document ?
• What about the keywords and what do they mean ?
• Were some facts or details omitted, and why ? You should be able to make some criticism.

 

Look at examples:
 
➣ a cartoon taken from subject Nr 3 on Britain in WW2);
➣ a photograph, taken from subject Nr 1 (history) on the battle of Britain and the Blitz;
➣ a text, taken from subject Nr 1 (geography) on American sea power and the South China Sea.
➣ and maps (subject Nr 23, geography) on the South China Sea. A comparison between the western and Chinese viewpoints in the local maritime dispute.

 

How to prepare your notes

• Do not write sentences, but only an outline (or plan), keywords and linkers.
• Pay attention to your introduction and to your conclusion.
• Remember that you should use the documents as a support: the notes should refer to the documents as much as possible, with the purpose of answering the question.
• The notes should be clearly written, but they are not an end in itself. It's an oral exam!

The timing

• One and a half minute to present the subject : present the question, the kind of documents you are dealing with, put them in historical context. Explain how the documents relate to the subject.
• Develop your comments in two or three parts (two parts of four minutes each or three parts of approximately 2'40)
• Make your conclusion in thirty seconds (at most): announce it (“To conclude..."), sum up the essential (a good conclusion is always a short one).