← Modern Studies syllabus

ScotlandModern Studies

Assignment and Skills

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you detect bias and exaggeration in sources?

The skill of detecting bias, exaggeration and selective use of facts in written and statistical sources, and how to identify objective and subjective statements.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the source-handling skill of detecting bias and exaggeration, covering how to spot selective use of facts, emotive language and overstated claims, and how to tell objective statements from subjective opinions.
10 min answer →

How do you draw a supported conclusion from sources?

The skill of drawing and supporting conclusions using two or more sources, synthesising evidence, and linking each conclusion clearly to the evidence that supports it.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the source-handling skill of drawing conclusions, covering how to use two or more sources together, synthesise evidence, write a clear conclusion, and support every conclusion with specific evidence from the sources.
9 min answer →

How do you judge whether a source is reliable?

The source-handling skill of evaluating the reliability of sources, judging origin, authorship, purpose, date, sample size, publisher and corroboration to reach a supported overall judgement.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the source-handling skill of evaluating reliability, covering how to judge the origin and authorship, purpose, date, sample size, publisher and corroboration of a source, and how to structure a How reliable is the source question to reach a supported overall judgement.
10 min answer →

How do you research and write the Modern Studies assignment?

The added value assignment, including choosing an issue with alternative views, researching from a range of sources, evaluating source reliability, and structuring a balanced report with a supported conclusion.
An SQA Higher Modern Studies answer on the added value assignment, covering how to choose a debatable issue, research from a range of sources, evaluate the reliability of sources, and write a balanced report that reaches a conclusion supported by evidence.
10 min answer →