Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91438 about?

Accepted Answer

You need to write an essay analysing a significant historical event you choose, and explain whether its long-term consequences were more important than its short-term consequences. You'll pick the event, identify two real consequences flowing directly from it, and build an argument showing which type of consequence (short-term or long-term) mattered more—and why.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91438?

Accepted Answer

1. Select a specific, discrete historical event (not a broad period or trend) that allows for two clearly different consequences 2. Identify two direct consequences that causally link back to your chosen event, and distinguish meaningfully between short-term and long-term impacts rather than listing generic outcomes 3. Explain how and why each consequence happened as a result of the event, using specific, accurate supporting evidence 4. Build and sustain an argument throughout your essay (not just in one paragraph) about whether long-term consequences were more important than short-term ones, with explicit justification based on evidence 5. Demonstrate insight by acknowledging complexity, explaining why your evidence matters for your argument, and writing concisely without unnecessary detail

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91438?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You identify and describe one short-term and one long-term consequence with some supporting evidence, and state which seems more important, but the connection between the event and consequences often requires the reader to fill in gaps. Merit: You clearly explain two direct consequences, show sound understanding of how they arose from the event, provide accurate and specific evidence, and include an explicit paragraph evaluating why long-term consequences were more important than short-term ones. Excellence: You select an event that allows complex analysis, weave evaluation throughout your essay rather than isolating it to one section, use well-chosen specific evidence to show depth, acknowledge limitations and complexity, explain why the evidence matters, and maintain a sustained, coherent argument from start to finish.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91438?

Accepted Answer

1. Choosing an event that is too broad or vague (like 'the Industrial Revolution' or 'the 1960s'), or picking something that is really a trend or a long period—specific, discrete events allow you to analyse consequences more precisely 2. Writing about causes as well as consequences, or mixing them together, instead of focusing strictly on consequences only 3. Listing generic or distant outcomes without clearly showing how they causally connect back to your chosen event—examiners need to see the direct link, not have to guess it

Causes and consequences

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