Different groups had very different experiences in the 1920s. How far were the 1920s the 'Roaring Twenties'? Explain your answer.

Level 5: Explains both sides and supports a valid judgement on 'how far'. 10 marks

One explanation or more on each side.
- It was the Roaring Twenties for some parts of the USA but not for other parts. The new ideas and activities were welcomed by young, rich people in the cities. But there was another America of the poor and those in rural areas. They did not experience the Roaring Twenties, and their lives went on as they had always done. So, it all depended on where in the USA you looked and which social groups were involved.

Level 4: Explains both sides. 7-9 marks
For candidates to be awarded this level they must have one explanation on each side.

Seven marks for one explanation on each side; one additional mark for each additional explanation on either side.

Level 3: Explains one side. 4-6 marks
One Level 3 mark for each explanation.
- They were the Roaring Twenties. Young people in cities started to go to night clubs to listen to jazz and blues and to dance new dances like the Charleston. Women had a lot more freedom and were called flappers. They smoked and wore short dresses. They all enjoyed the thrill and excitement. The talkies also gave people new experiences with much more stress on sex than there had been.
OR
- It was not the Roaring Twenties for many people. Many older people disapproved of the new morals and regarded the new activities and attitudes as corrupting influences. There were also a lot of poor people who did not enjoy the new freedoms. Many in the cities were unemployed and those on small farms had a very hard life and only just managed to make a living and feed their families.
Level 2: Identifies or describes valid points; addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- Jazz became popular.
- Going to the cinema became very popular.
- There were new freedoms for some women, especially the young.
- There were new fashions for women.
- The popularity of nightclubs and dancing grew.
- New moral attitudes towards sex.
- Life in small country towns and in rural areas was unchanged.
- Many Americans disapproved of the new attitudes and behaviours.
- Many in the South disapproved of what was happening in the cities.
- Many women's lives were still occupied with housework and looking after children.
- Many of the working class could not afford cars and nightclubs.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The Roaring Twenties was a period in the USA when a lot was going on. However, not everybody was involved in all the changes.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks