Mao made great changes to China's economy and society.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] Level 1 One mark for each relevant point; additional mark for supporting detail
2. Mao wanted to increase China's industrial production.
3. He wanted to use industry to increase military strength.
4. He wanted to encourage workers to support the regime.
5. He wanted to increase output in heavy industry such as coal and steel.
6. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons
7. [4-5] Level 3 Explains ONE reason
8. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes reasons
9. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
10. e.g. 'The Great Leap Forward failed because Mao insisted on following communist principles and getting rid of bourgeois experts. He removed the middle class of experts running the factories, businesses, hospitals and universities. He wanted another revolution to hand back control to the peasants and workers. This proved to be a disaster in the Great Leap Forward because he lost the skilled people he needed.'
11. e.g. 'Mao wanted to give control to the peasants.'
12. 'Mao insisted on the commune system.'
13. 'There was a lack of technical help.'
14. 'There was a lack of central planning.'
15. 'Targets were unrealistic.'
16. 'There was a shortage of skilled workers.'
17. 'Farmers went to work in factories and the crops failed.'
18. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far'
19. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides
20. [4-6] Level 3 One-sided explanation OR one explanation of both sides 5-6 marks
21. [2-3] Level 2 Identifies AND/OR describes
22. [1] Level 1 General answer lacking specific contextual knowledge
23. e.g. 'Reforming education was important. Mao believed that everyone should be able to read and write. This would benefit industry and agriculture. China needed professionals such as doctors. These needed to be educated. A nationwide literacy drive was launched and by 1960 over 90% of the population could read.'
24. OR e.g. 'One important social change was the way women were treated. Mao questioned many traditional practices, such as foot binding and forced marriage, and made these illegal. He believed women should be treated equally and not as second-class citizens. He realised women were a great source of untapped labour and gave them equal opportunities in education and work.'
25. e.g. 'Mao wanted to remove traditional practices.'
26. 'He wanted a literate society.'
27. 'Mao wanted to improve his people's well-being.'
28. 'He needed a healthy workforce.'
29. 'Mao introduced reforms so women were treated equally.'
30. 'He introduced policies to combat disease and improve hygiene.'