How This Topic Is Examined (OCR J411)

Frequency: This topic appears in every OCR J411 examination — it is a core thematic study (VERY HIGH frequency).

OCR J411 Question Types for This Topic:

• "Describe two features of..." (4 marks, AO1) — e.g., "Describe two features of medieval beliefs about disease." Answer: name the feature + give supporting evidence. Two separate features required — do not write about the same idea twice.
• "Describe three features of..." (6 marks, AO1) — e.g., "Describe three features of 19th-century public health reform." Same approach but THREE distinct features with evidence.
• "Explain why..." (8 marks, AO1+AO2) — e.g., "Explain why public health improved in the 19th century." Requires CAUSATION — explain WHY each factor mattered, not just what happened. Aim for 3-4 developed paragraphs, each with a clear cause, specific evidence, and a link back to the question.
• Essay/how-far-agree (16 marks + 4 SPaG) — e.g., "The most important reason for the improvement in public health in the 19th century was the work of individuals." How far do you agree? Requires argument, counter-argument, and a supported judgement.

What Examiners Are Looking For at Level 3+ (Explain Why, 8 marks):

• Specific dates, names, and statistics (Snow's 1854 investigation; Pasteur 1861; 1875 Act)
• Causal language: "This led to...", "Because of this...", "As a result...", "This meant that..."
• Multiple causes explained and linked (not just listed)
• Connections between causes: "Science alone was not enough — Chadwick showed government also needed to act..."