AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025: Question 5

05 In what ways were the lives of Soviet people affected by Stalin’s modernisation of the

USSR?

Explain your answer.

[8 marks]

The indicative content is designed to exemplify the qualities expected at each

level and is not a full exemplar answer. All historically relevant and valid

answers should be credited.

Target Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-

order concepts (AO2:4)

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and

characteristics of the period studied (AO1:4)

Level 4: Complex explanation of changes 7–8

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate and detailed knowledge and

understanding that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 3.

Students may progress from a developed explanation of changes by

explanation of the complexities of change arising from differences such as

time, group, social and/or economic impact, supported by knowledge and

understanding.

For example, the effects were a complex mix of positive and negative for

different groups in society; although workers in the cities had access to better

health care and education they also suffered from overcrowded housing and

poor availability of consumer goods.

Level 3: Developed explanation of changes 5–6

Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding

that is relevant to the question

Extends Level 2.

Students may progress from a simple explanation by developed reasoning

considering two or more of the identified consequences, supporting them by

factual knowledge and understanding.

In addition to a Level 2 response, students make additional developed point(s).

For example, the development of industry led to better energy supplies using

hydro-electric power and improved transport and communication with new

railways and canals. People benefited from the new underground system in

Moscow.

– – –

For example, collectivisation completely destroyed the livelihoods of ‘Kulaks’

who were arrested if they refused to hand over their land and produce. They

were sentenced to hard labour working on modernising engineering projects

such as dams and canals.

Level 2: Simple explanation of change 3–4

Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students may progress from a basic explanation of change by using simple

reasoning and supporting it with factual knowledge and understanding which

might be related, for example, to one of the identified changes.

For example, whole cities were created. Industrial workers faced very harsh

discipline; punishments were severe involving hard, dangerous labour on

building projects

Level 1: Basic explanation of change(s) 1–2

Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is

relevant to the question

Students identify change(s), which are relevant to the question. Explanation at

this level is likely to be implicit or by assertion.

For example, peasants were forced to hand over their produce and land as part

of collectivisation; workers in industry were given strict production targets to

meet.

Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0