| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op2.HL.TZ0.2 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of the Americas) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Examine | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 1: Indigenous societies and cultures in the Americas (c750–1500)
Examine the religious significance of the relationship between man and nature in two indigenous societies.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between religion, man and nature in two indigenous societies. The two societies may or may not have been contemporaneous with each other. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two societies, or they may prioritize their discussion of one over the other. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Nature played an important role in the religious explanations of the creation of Earth and of mankind; gods and other divine creatures were represented by animals, plants and other natural elements. Indigenous societies attributed animals and plants healing to supernatural powers. Candidates may also discuss the significance of animal sacrifices to gain the favour of gods and/or may discuss the interpretations of natural phenomenon as indications of the will of the gods or omens.
Examiners report
The question required candidates to consider the interrelationship between religion, man and nature in two indigenous societies. While chosen infrequently, there with a wide variance of quality in the responses. Candidates had some difficulty in defining and addressing what was meant by “the relationship between man and nature”.
