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A Level H2 History Practice Paper 3
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - History H2 A-Level
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper (AI)
Version: 3 of 5
Subject: History H2 (9174)
Level: A-Level
Paper: Source-Based Skills Practice (Paper 1 & 2 Hybrid Skills)
Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Total Marks: 50
Name: ________________________
Class: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Instructions to Candidates
- This paper consists of two sections: Section A and Section B.
- Section A contains structured source-based questions testing comprehension, comparison, and inference. Answer all questions in this section.
- Section B contains an extended response question testing evaluation and synthesis of multiple sources. Answer the question in this section.
- The sources provided are fictional but modeled on historical contexts from the H2 History syllabus (Southeast Asian History and International History).
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
Section A: Structured Source Analysis (20 Marks)
Study Sources A and B and answer Questions 1 and 2.
Context: The sources relate to the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 1967.
Source A
Excerpt from the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), signed by the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, 8 August 1967.
"The Ministers... hereby declare their determination to ensure stability and security from external interference in any form or manifestation in order to preserve their national identities in accordance with the ideals and aspirations of their peoples...
To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations...
To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter."
Source B
Excerpt from a speech by S. Rajaratnam, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, at the signing ceremony of the ASEAN Declaration, 8 August 1967.
"We are not forming a military alliance. We are not forming a political union. We are forming an association for cooperation. Why? Because we realize that individually, we are small. We are vulnerable. But together, we can create a zone of peace.
Some critics say this is merely a talk shop. They say we have nothing in common except our fear of communism. Perhaps there is truth in that. But fear can be a powerful motivator. If our fear of external subversion leads us to cooperate economically and socially, then let us use that fear constructively.
The primary goal is survival. Not just physical survival, but the survival of our distinct identities in a region dominated by larger powers. We must prove to the world, and to ourselves, that Southeast Asians can manage their own affairs without relying entirely on former colonial masters or new superpower patrons."
Question 1
Compare and contrast the evidence provided by Source A and Source B on the primary motivations for the formation of ASEAN. [10]
Question 2
How far does Source B support the view expressed in Source A that ASEAN was founded primarily to "accelerate economic growth"? Explain your answer. [10]
Section B: Extended Source Evaluation (30 Marks)
Study Sources C, D, E, and F and answer Question 3.
Context: The sources relate to the Asian Financial Crisis (1997–1998) and its impact on Southeast Asian states.
Source C
Excerpt from an article in "The Asian Wall Street Journal", 15 August 1997.
"The baht’s collapse is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper rot in the 'Asian Miracle' model. For decades, governments in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have engaged in 'crony capitalism,' directing cheap credit to politically connected businesses rather than productive enterprises.
Now, the bill has come due. Foreign investors, once eager to pour money into the region, are fleeing in panic. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offers a lifeline, but its conditions—high interest rates, austerity, and structural reforms—are painful. Yet, they are necessary. The crisis is a correction, a purging of inefficiencies. While short-term pain is inevitable, the long-term result will be a more transparent, market-driven economy. The 'Asian Values' argument—that authoritarian stability fosters growth—has been exposed as a myth. Transparency and rule of law are the true engines of sustainable development."
Source D
Statement by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, October 1997.
"We are being punished by currency speculators, men like George Soros, who have no conscience and no loyalty to any nation. They attack our currencies not because our economies are weak, but because they are strong and growing. This is not a market correction; it is economic colonialism.
The IMF prescriptions are wrong for Asia. They demand we raise interest rates and cut spending when we need investment and growth. These policies are designed by Western economists who do not understand our social contract. In Asia, we value stability and community. We will not accept the IMF’s dictate to dismantle our support systems. We will impose capital controls if necessary to protect our people from the vagaries of global finance. Our model is not broken; it is under attack."
Source E
Excerpt from "Indonesia in Crisis", a report by Human Rights Watch, 1998.
"The economic collapse in Indonesia has triggered a humanitarian and political catastrophe. As the rupiah plummeted, the price of basic food staples soared by over 300%. Millions of Indonesians, who had been lifted out of poverty during the Suharto era, have fallen back into destitution.
The government’s response has been inadequate. Subsidies were cut abruptly under IMF pressure, leading to widespread riots in May 1998. The military’s heavy-handed response resulted in hundreds of deaths. The crisis has exposed the fragility of the New Order regime. It is not just an economic failure; it is a failure of governance. The concentration of power in the presidency and the lack of political accountability meant that when the economy faltered, there were no institutions to cushion the blow or channel public discontent peacefully. The crisis has ultimately led to the fall of President Suharto, ending 32 years of authoritarian rule."
Source F
Graph: GDP Growth Rates in Selected Southeast Asian Countries (1995–1999)
| Country | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 8.7% | 5.9% | -1.4% | -10.5% | 4.2% |
| Indonesia | 8.2% | 7.8% | 4.7% | -13.1% | 0.8% |
| Malaysia | 9.5% | 8.6% | 7.3% | -7.4% | 6.1% |
| Singapore | 9.9% | 7.6% | 7.8% | 0.1% | 5.4% |
| Philippines | 4.7% | 5.8% | 5.2% | -0.6% | 3.4% |
(Data sourced from World Bank Development Indicators)
Question 3
"How far do Sources C–F support the view that the Asian Financial Crisis was primarily caused by internal structural weaknesses within Southeast Asian economies?" [30]
...... [End of Paper] ......
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - History H2 A-Level (Answer Key)
Version: 3 of 5
Subject: History H2 (9174)
Section A: Structured Source Analysis
Question 1
Compare and contrast the evidence provided by Source A and Source B on the primary motivations for the formation of ASEAN. [10]
Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (7-10 marks): Detailed comparison identifying both similarities and differences with specific references to both sources. Evaluates the nuance (e.g., Source A is idealistic/official; Source B is pragmatic/realist).
- Level 2 (4-6 marks): Identifies some similarities and/or differences but may be unbalanced or lack specific textual support.
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple listing of points from one or both sources without direct comparison.
Indicative Content:
Similarities:
- Regional Cooperation/Unity: Both sources emphasize the need for collective action. Source A mentions "joint endeavours" and "community," while Source B states "individually, we are small... together, we can create a zone of peace."
- Security/Stability: Both cite stability as a key goal. Source A refers to "stability and security from external interference," while Source B mentions "survival" and protection from "external subversion."
- Non-Alignment/Autonomy: Both imply a desire for regional self-management. Source A speaks of preserving "national identities," and Source B rejects reliance on "former colonial masters or new superpower patrons."
Differences:
- Tone and Emphasis: Source A is formal, diplomatic, and idealistic, focusing on "prosperity," "peace," and "rule of law." Source B is candid, pragmatic, and realist, openly admitting "fear" and "vulnerability" as motivators.
- Economic vs. Political/Survival Priority: Source A explicitly lists "accelerate economic growth" as a primary aim alongside social progress. Source B downplays economic union (saying it's not a political union) and frames cooperation primarily as a tool for "survival" and managing "fear of communism," suggesting economics is secondary to security.
- Perception of Threat: Source A presents a positive vision of "partnership" and "equality." Source B presents a defensive posture against "critics" and "external subversion," acknowledging the association is partly driven by negative motivations (fear).
Question 2
How far does Source B support the view expressed in Source A that ASEAN was founded primarily to "accelerate economic growth"? Explain your answer. [10]
Marking Scheme:
- Level 3 (7-10 marks): Clear judgment on the extent of support. Explains why Source B supports or contradicts the claim, using specific evidence. Recognizes that Source B offers a different primary motivation (security/survival).
- Level 2 (4-6 marks): Identifies that Source B differs but may not fully explain the divergence or lacks detailed evidence.
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple assertion (e.g., "It doesn't support it") with little explanation.
Indicative Content:
Argument for Limited/No Support:
- Source B explicitly states, "We are not forming a political union... We are forming an association for cooperation." It does not mention economic growth as a primary driver.
- Source B identifies "fear of communism" and "survival" as the main motivators: "Perhaps there is truth in that [fear of communism]. But fear can be a powerful motivator."
- Source B frames economic cooperation as a means to an end (security), not the end itself: "If our fear... leads us to cooperate economically... then let us use that fear constructively." This contradicts Source A’s framing of economic growth as a primary, standalone goal.
Argument for Partial Support (Nuance):
- Source B acknowledges that cooperation will happen ("leads us to cooperate economically"), which aligns with Source A’s goal, even if the motivation differs.
- Both sources agree that the region is vulnerable and needs collective strength, which could imply economic resilience is part of "survival."
Conclusion:
- Source B largely does not support the view that economic growth was the primary motivation. Instead, it presents security and survival as the primary drivers, with economic cooperation being a secondary benefit or tool to achieve stability. Source A presents a more balanced, multi-purpose rationale, while Source B is security-centric.
Section B: Extended Source Evaluation
Question 3
"How far do Sources C–F support the view that the Asian Financial Crisis was primarily caused by internal structural weaknesses within Southeast Asian economies?" [30]
Marking Scheme:
- Level 4 (25-30 marks): Sophisticated evaluation. Synthesizes evidence from all sources. Distinguishes between causes (internal vs. external) and consequences. Evaluates the reliability/utility of sources. Clear, balanced judgment.
- Level 3 (19-24 marks): Good evaluation. Uses most sources. Identifies internal and external factors. Some synthesis but may lack depth in evaluating source limitations.
- Level 2 (13-18 marks): Descriptive. Lists what each source says. Limited comparison or evaluation. May miss the distinction between cause and effect.
- Level 1 (1-12 marks): Simple comprehension. Misinterprets sources or fails to address the question.
Indicative Content:
1. Analysis of the Claim:
- The claim argues that internal structural weaknesses (e.g., crony capitalism, poor governance, lack of transparency) were the primary cause.
- Alternative causes: External factors (currency speculation, global market shifts, IMF policies).
2. Evidence Supporting Internal Structural Weaknesses (Sources C, E, F):
- Source C: Strongly supports the claim. Explicitly blames "crony capitalism," "cheap credit to politically connected businesses," and lack of "transparency and rule of law." Argues the crisis was a "correction" of these internal inefficiencies.
- Source E: Supports the claim indirectly by highlighting governance failures. Mentions "concentration of power," "lack of political accountability," and "inadequate government response." Suggests that the political structure (New Order authoritarianism) exacerbated the economic shock.
- Source F: Provides data showing the severity of the crisis (negative GDP). While it doesn't explain causes, the depth of the contraction in Indonesia (-13.1%) and Thailand (-10.5%) suggests deep-seated structural vulnerabilities rather than a minor external shock.
3. Evidence Challenging Internal Structural Weaknesses (Sources D, F):
- Source D: Strongly challenges the claim. Mahathir argues the economies were "strong and growing" (internal strength). Blames "currency speculators" (external actors like George Soros) and "economic colonialism." Argues the crisis was an attack, not a correction. Rejects the idea that internal models were flawed ("Our model is not broken").
- Source F: Shows that Singapore and Malaysia recovered relatively quickly (1999 growth of 5.4% and 6.1%). This could suggest that not all internal structures were equally weak, or that policy responses (like Malaysia’s capital controls mentioned in D) mattered more than structural flaws.
4. Evaluation of Sources:
- Source C (Western Media): Likely biased towards free-market ideology. Critical of "Asian Values." Useful for understanding the Western/IMF perspective but may overlook external predatory practices.
- Source D (Political Leader): Self-serving. Mahathir is defending his regime and policy. Useful for understanding the regional political backlash against the West/IMF, but likely downplays internal corruption.
- Source E (NGO Report): Focuses on human rights and political impact. Reliable on social consequences but may over-emphasize political failure as the cause of the economic crash.
- Source F (Statistical Data): Objective data. Useful for measuring impact, but neutral on causation. Requires interpretation.
5. Synthesis and Judgment:
- Extent of Support: Sources C and E provide strong support for the view that internal weaknesses (cronyism, lack of accountability) were central. Source D provides a strong counter-narrative, blaming external speculation.
- Nuance: The crisis was likely a combination of both. Internal weaknesses (high debt, weak banking regulation) made the economies vulnerable to external shocks (speculative attacks, capital flight). Source C’s "correction" argument and Source D’s "attack" argument are not mutually exclusive; the attack succeeded because of the weakness.
- Conclusion: The sources provide moderate to strong support for the view, particularly Sources C and E. However, Source D reminds us that external factors played a significant triggering role. A balanced view would argue that internal structural weaknesses were the underlying cause that allowed external factors to trigger a full-blown crisis. The "primary" cause was likely the interaction of both, but without the internal fragility, the external shock might have been manageable.
Key Distinction:
- Students must distinguish between causes (why it happened) and consequences (what happened after, e.g., Source E’s riots, Source F’s GDP drop). Source E is more about consequences exacerbating political failure, but implies governance was weak before the crisis.