ESS EXAM 2011
SECTION A: SOCIAL STUDIES TOPICS
Answer ONE question in this section
Answer on your own sheet of refill
Put your name and form class on your refill.
This is a separate part of the exam.
Choose ONE of the following questions:
1.
Living under a dictatorship is very different from living in a democracy.
Describe the effect on ordinary people’s lives in:
EITHER
Cambodia under Khmer Rouge Rule OR Germany under Hitler
OR A Middle Eastern dictatorship OR the Taliban in Afghanistan
Choose 3 or 4 of the following aspects to write about:
Family Life
Work
Education
Ideas/Traditions
2.
Education
Slavery is an important aspect of human history. Describe at least three
features of slavery and slave trading in the past.
Choose 3 or 4 of the following aspects to write about:
Egypt
The Middle Passage
Abolition/abolitionists
Underground Railroad
4.
Life of a Slave
Rome
Ancient Egyptian culture is well known for its distinctive features.
Describe at least three features of this culture.
Choose 3 or 4 of the following aspects to write about:
Their Religion
Their History
Their Traditions
Important festivals
5.
Terror
War
In New Zealand we live in a democracy. Describe the ways in which this affects
our lives. Explain why maintaining democracy is important.
Choose 3 or 4 of the following aspects to write about:
Family Life
Freedoms
Environment
Decision Making
3.
Freedoms
Health
Their language or writing
Their food
Each Religion has its own traditions. Choose one religion and describe ways in
which these traditions affect the lives of its followers.
Choose 3 or 4 of the following aspects to write about::
The origins
Their beliefs
Their festivals
Their practices
Their holy places
Important people in this religion
A Good Social Studies essay has:
 An introduction of 2-3 sentences describing what the essay is about
 A series of paragraphs that answer the question. Each paragraph should have a topic
sentence followed by explanations and examples
 A conclusion of about 2-3 sentences summing up your main points.
C:\Users\John\Desktop\ESS EXAM 2011[1].doc
ESS EXAM 2011
In this exam you will answer Sections B and C.
You have already answered Section A.
SECTION B: Response to Texts
Answer ONE question in this section
Answer on your own sheet or refill
Put your name and form class on your refill
Head your answer with the title and author of your text.
Use S.E.X.Y (Statement, Explanation, Example, Your response) or
P.E.C (Point, Example, Comment) in your answer.
You should make at least three main points, each with supporting evidence
from the text
You may answer this question using any of the following texts you have studied in class:
o A novel
o A film
o A short story (you may use more than one in your answer if you want to)
o A poem (you may use more than one in your answer if you want to)
Answer ONE question chosen from the following:
1.
Describe a character in a text you have studied. Describe one challenge faced
by a character or individual in the text. Explain how he/she responded to this
challenge.
2.
How suitable was your text for your class?
Some possible reasons you might include are:
An interesting character
An interesting setting
Theme or message
Language techniques
Symbols
3.
How important was the setting (time and/or place) in your text?
In what way did it help you understand a character and/or idea?
4.
In what way did the author of your text challenge your thinking about an idea or
ideas?
Describe the idea, or ideas (theme/s) and how the author challenged you?
To achieve Excellence in this question you will need to:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Write on the topic
Give at least three specific examples or quotations which support your answer
Explain how your examples or quotations relate to the topic
Show that you understand both the text and the question
Write in clear, well organised paragraphs
Write at least 300 words to give enough detail
C:\Users\John\Desktop\ESS EXAM 2011[1].doc