This book has been written with the HSC specifically in mind:

• it strictly follows the format of the Modern History syllabus
• its content has been designed with the type of questions in mind which might be asked in the HSC
• the advice given for responding to questions on 'The Cold War 1945-1991' is the result of years of teaching and studying this period, and marking the HSC

It is hoped that this book will provide students with:

• solid historical information, but not too much that students will drown in an excess of the written word as can happen with some works
• enough historiographical information to supplement student arguments 
• a chance to frequently consolidate information
• some of the techniques required for writing effective essays