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!

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.)

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.

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!

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).