Asked by Anonymous

From the CAPS of History FET, give THREE differences between source-based and essay questions.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
1) Use of material: Source-based questions supply primary/secondary extracts, images or data that learners must refer to and quote; essay questions do not provide sources — learners rely on their own factual knowledge and examples.

2) Question structure and length: Source-based items are short, structured sub‑questions (point-by-point answers, often numbered) that guide learners through interpretation tasks; essays require a continuous, planned response (introduction, developed paragraphs, conclusion) and are longer.

3) Skills assessed: Source-based questions test skills of reading, interpretation, evaluation (reliability, usefulness, perspective, corroboration) and using evidence from the sources; essays test synthesis, argumentation, deeper contextual knowledge and the ability to construct and defend a sustained historical argument.