Evaluate the impact of developments in science and technology on one society.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of science and technology, weighing up the strengths and limitations or otherwise of their impact on one society. There may be equal coverage of both science and technology, or one may be prioritized over the other, but both aspects will feature in the response. Candidates may refer to medical advancements made during the ‘Abbasid Empire or the impact that the development of the astrolabe, for example, had on trade. The study of Euclidian geometry during the early Renaissance may be mentioned as well as the invention of tidal mills and wooden ploughs during the Carolingian era. The development of typesetting in the Song dynasty in China enabled the printing of books. The advances in architecture in pre-Columbian America would also be relevant. The focus must remain on the impact such discoveries had upon the chosen society and these may include economic or social developments, advances in communications or improved agricultural yields. Candidates’ opinions and conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of science and technology, weighing up the strengths and limitations or otherwise of their impact on one society. There were very few responses seen.