← Modern Studies syllabus

ScotlandModern Studies

Exam Skills and the Assignment

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 answer a question that asks whether a view is exaggerated or selective in its use of facts?

Detecting exaggeration and selectivity: judging whether a stated view is fully, partly or not supported by the sources, using evidence that backs the view and evidence that goes against it.
How to answer the selectivity question in SQA National 5 Modern Studies: deciding whether a given view is exaggerated by finding evidence from the sources that supports it and evidence that opposes it, then judging how far the view can be backed, with worked examples.
12 min answer →

How do you answer a source-based conclusions question in National 5 Modern Studies so the evidence, not the opinion, earns the marks?

Drawing conclusions from sources: using the bullet headings in the question to draw a conclusion for each, then supporting it with linked evidence from the sources and reaching an overall conclusion.
How to answer the conclusions source question in SQA National 5 Modern Studies: drawing a conclusion for each bullet point in the question, supporting it with evidence linked from the sources, and giving an overall conclusion, so the synthesis of evidence earns the 8 marks, with worked examples.
12 min answer →

How do you answer a question that asks which option a source supports, giving reasons from the evidence?

Selecting and using evidence to support a view: choosing the option a set of sources best supports and giving reasons by linking specific evidence from the sources to the choice.
How to answer the give-reasons source question in SQA National 5 Modern Studies: deciding which of two options the sources best support and justifying the choice by linking specific evidence from the sources to the decision, including using evidence against the rejected option, with worked examples.
12 min answer →

What is the National 5 Modern Studies Assignment, and how is it researched, written and marked?

The Assignment: the 20-mark coursework task in which a candidate researches a Modern Studies issue, gathers and references sources, and writes a structured report under supervised conditions.
An overview of the SQA National 5 Modern Studies Assignment: the 20-mark coursework where a candidate chooses a Modern Studies issue, researches it from a range of sources, completes a research sheet, and writes a structured report under supervised conditions covering the issue, evidence and a conclusion, with how the marks are earned.
11 min answer →