Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91023 about?

Accepted Answer

You need to write about an important historical figure from the classical world (like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, or Spartacus) and explain why they mattered at the time. You'll describe what they did and use evidence from ancient sources to back up your explanations of their importance.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91023?

Accepted Answer

1. Choose a significant historical figure from the classical world and describe who they were and what they did 2. Use primary source evidence (original ancient documents, inscriptions, or writings from that time) to support your explanations 3. Explain why this person was important and what impact they had on the classical world 4. For higher grades, identify the motivations behind their actions and explain how cultural expectations of the time shaped their behaviour 5. Connect specific aspects or factors that made this individual significant to the broader context of the ancient world

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91023?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You describe an important classical figure and explain their significance using some primary source evidence. Merit: You give a thorough explanation of why the figure was important, using specific and relevant primary sources to support your points about different aspects of their impact. Excellence: You show insight into the deeper reasons for their importance—including their motivations and the cultural values that influenced them—and use primary sources that directly relate to understanding these complexities.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91023?

Accepted Answer

1. Not using actual primary source evidence, or using secondary sources (modern books about ancient people) instead of what ancient people actually wrote or said themselves 2. Describing what the historical figure did without explaining *why* they were important or what effect they had on the classical world 3. Missing opportunities to explore the person's motivations or the cultural context that shaped their actions, especially important for Merit and Excellence grades

Classical historical figure

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