Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · History · Higher
Comparing interpretations of Lenin
How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about Lenin?
Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.
Write your answer first. You can study the marking guidance whenever you need it.
Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 Identifies a valid difference between Interpretation A and Interpretation B about Lenin.
- 2 Uses content from Interpretation A and Interpretation B rather than only contextual knowledge or provenance.
- 3 Develops the comparison by explaining A's positive view of Lenin's motives, leadership or revolutionary achievement.
- 4 Develops the comparison by explaining B's critical view of Lenin's terror, control or denial of freedom.
Full-mark answer
Interpretation B differs because it presents Lenin as a destructive and repressive leader, while Interpretation A praises him as a great revolutionary leader. Interpretation A says Lenin fought for the working class and wanted workers, soldiers and peasants to have real power in the soviets. By contrast, Interpretation B says his methods were based on terror, that people feared the Cheka, and that the Party took over the soviets.
Why this answer loses marks
Interpretation A says Lenin helped workers and Interpretation B says people feared the Cheka.
This uses both interpretations but leaves the contrast as two separate notes instead of explaining the difference between praise and criticism.