DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SOURCE-BASED / ESSAY

HISTORY

GRADE 10

TERM 1 2024

TIME: 1 HOUR MARKS: 50

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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This Question Paper consists of Section A and Section B based on the

Examinable content in the CAPS document and the ATP.

2. Section A: Question 1: Source Based Questions – Ming Dynasty

Section B: Question 2: Essay Type Question – Songhai Empire

3. Answer ONE question i.e. either Source-Based or Essay

4. When answering Questions, Candidates should apply their knowledge, skills and
insight.

5. Candidates will be disadvantaged for merely rewriting the sources as answers.

6. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
Question paper.

7. Write neatly and legibly.

8. When answering an essay please be reminded that an argumentative essay is not a

narrative essay therefore always sustain the Line of argument.

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SECTION A SOURCE BASED QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1: HOW DID THE MING DYNASTY BECOME A POWERFUL STATE

IN THE 14th and 15th CENTURIES?

Study Sources 1A,1B,1C and 1D to answer the Questions that follow.

1.1 Study Source 1A

1.1.1 Define the concept Dynasty in your own words. (1 x 2) (2)

1.1.2 Identify THREE areas of great contributions that occurred

during the era of the Ming dynasty. (3 x 1) (3)

1.1.3 Who, according to the source, reformed systems of the Ming (1 x 1) (1)
dynasty?

1.1.4 Quote TWO pieces of evidence from the source that suggests (2 x 1) (2)
the biggest achievement in the field of engineering.

1.1.5 What, according to the source, were THREE developments (3 x 1) (3)

that made China famous?

1.2 Refer to Source 1B

1.2.1 How many kilometres does the Great Wall stretch from east (1 x 1) (1)
to west.

1.2.2 Explain why, do you think, the Great Wall was built. (2 x 2) (4)

1.2.3 Comment on the usefulness of the source to a historian (2 x 2) (4)

researching about the Great Wall.

1.3 Study Source 1C

1.3.1 What, according to the source, did the Chinese aim to

achieve during the expedition (journey) to other countries? (2 x 1) (2)

1.3.2 How many maritime expeditions were led by Zheng He,

according to the source. (1 x 1) (1)

1.3.3 Why, according to the source, were Chinese representatives

sent to other countries? (1 x 2) (2)

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 1.3.4 Using the information in the source and own knowledge,
explain the purpose of Zheng He’s voyages. (2 x 2) (4)

1.3.5 How did the revisionist historians view Zheng’s voyages? (2 x 2) (4)

1.3.6 Comment on the statement,’ Zheng He is often depicted as

an ‘ambassador of friendship’. (2 x 2) (4)

1.4 Read Source 1D

1.4.1 Identify THREE Chinese inventions that were traded to

Europe (3 x 1) (3)

1.4.2 Using the information in the source and own knowledge

explain why China ended the overseas voyages? (2 x 2) (4)

1.5 Using the information from the relevant sources and your own
knowledge, write a paragraph of about SIX lines (60 words)
explaining how the Ming dynasty became a powerful state in
the 14th and 15th centuries. (6)

[50]

OR
SECTION B

QUESTION 2

Songhai Empire flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and is considered as one of
the greatest empires of Western Africa.

Do you agree with the statement? Use relevant historical evidence to support your
line of argument.

[50]

TOTAL : [50]

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 ADDENDUM

QUESTION 1: HOW DID THE MING DYNASTY BECOME A POWERFUL STATE IN

THE 14th and 15th CENTURIES?

SOURCE 1A

The source below explains the achievements and accomplishments by Ming dynasty
The Ming Dynasty marked an era of great contributions in the fields of culture, science
and technology. Military, political and other systems were reformed by Ming Emperor,
Zhu Yuanzhang…The repair and completion of the Great Wall and restoration of Grand
Canal during the Ming era is marked as one of the biggest achievements in the field of
engineering. A wide range of equipment and machinery were manufactured during this
era, from which cotton and silk looms were made. Agricultural production was increased
due to advancements in technology.
Advancement in military technology led to invention of powerful artillery and the
Huochong gun, a projection firearm. A medical book named Compendium of Materia
Medica advanced knowledge in the field of medicine…. The Forbidden City in Beijing, a
great architectural achievement, was constructed during this time. China’s famous blue
and white porcelain was originated in the Ming era. Ceramic, jade, and bamboo carvings
led to the prosperous development of handicrafts and arts during that time. China became
famous for its handicrafts, printing and silk and cotton weaving.
https://totallyhistory.com › ming-dynasty-achievement. Accessed on 7 February 2024

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SOURCE 1B

The source below shows the photograph of the Great Wall of China, one of the
achievements of the Ming Dynasty. It stretches more than 8000 km from East to West
over deserts, mountains and grasslands.

https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-grade-10-topic-1-ming-dynasty. Accessed on 8 February 2024

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SOURCE 1C

The source explains the Naval expeditions undertaken by the Ming dynasty

China sent their trade goods to western Asia and Europe via the Silk Road. This was a
6 400 kilometre overland journey that ended at the Mediterranean Sea. Another way
that they traded was via ships on the ocean…The Chinese hoped to discover new lands
and to establish new trading partners. They often returned with exotic animals, spices,
ivory and prisoners of war…

The Chinese fleet reached its peak in the 15th Century, under the leadership of Muslim
eunuch, Admiral Zheng He. He conducted seven maritime expeditions. Emperor
Yongle instructed Admiral Zheng He to explore the oceans in search of goods. Between
1405 and 1433, representatives were sent to other countries to ask for tribute in money
or goods to show that they recognized the power of the Chinese Empire. Zheng He’s
fleet reached a total of 37 countries, expanding China’s influence along Asian sea
routes. China’s trade potential and peaceful voyages left a mark on the countries that
they visited, demonstrating China’s trade potential and naval strength. Although Zheng
He is often depicted as an ‘ambassador of friendship’ who initiated contact between
China and other countries, revisionist historians suggest that his voyages were
attempts to colonize China’s neighbours. The intention behind Emperor Yongle’s
instruction was to establish tributary or vassal states in the East, and expand China’s
hegemonic (dominant) rule.

https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-grade-10-topic-1-ming-dynasty. Accessed on 8 February

2024

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SOURCE 1D

The source below explains impact of Chinese inventions

Chinese inventions had a great impact on the world. Chinese inventions included the
magnetic compass, paper, the wheelbarrow, suspension bridges, gunpowder,
porcelain, movable type and the mechanical clock. The most commonly traded items
from Zheng He’s fleet were silks and spices.

By the end of the fifteenth century, imperial subjects were forbidden from either
building ocean going ships or leaving the country. He departed for his final voyage in
1431 and visited Indochina, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), India, Iran, Zanzibar, the
Red Sea and Java. This voyage would mark the last of the Chinese fleet, and when it
returned in 1433, China ended its expansionist policies.

http://www.historyhaven.com. Accessed on 8 February 2024

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