Hey there!
First things first, everyone (well most people) feel super underprepped right before exams. I did too, especially for mod. Mind, I might not have done so great, but when you start writing, you actually remember way more than you think you know! Just go over everything, calm down and everything will be fine, you've done the hard work for now anyway
Memorising details comes to different people in different ways. I literally either spun in a chair or walked up and down while reciting things over and over, but this may not be the most efficient method for you! I remember a while back there was this worksheet method brought up by Jake, so maybe go check that out? Otherwise, you really have to find your method, since there is no single formula for everyone
Since you're given the sections the questions come from, you know what to study. Don't bother studying anything else (study smarter, not harder
). With planning time, for me I did two things: (but other people will have different methods, more or less effective depending on the person (please add to this guys!!!)) I quote/info dumped, and fully planned out everything --> so sorta like a skeleton for my essay, like the bare minimum of an essay plan
but yeah like i said, there are plenty of ways to do this
Also, side note, make sure you study both! You will get absolutely destroyed if only study one and the other pops up (learnt that one the hard way)
In terms of 'last minute tips', essentially study hard today. Don't push it though. Tomorrow, really try to relax, just skim your content to make sure you know it, but the most important thing is to de-stress. It really screws with your mind going in stressed (learnt that also the hard way --> eg the day before HSC Mod i did my physics homework for 50% of the day, then skimmed the notes for the other half of the day) (you don't have to do this in particular, as long as you de-stress)
If you're running out of time, I'd assume you're onto your last paragraph? I never ran out of time, but I was told by my teacher to summarise in dot points succinctly to get your points across so you can get some marks, then finish strong with a conclusion. (Someone please back up/deny this
)
For 'writers block' --> well there are two situations a) you really get the flow of things, so this doesnt occur b) you're super screwed about halfway through
but uh for this, I think pause for about a minute, stare around the hall for a bit
theoretically, you can be writing the essay in 40 minutes (if using a three paragraph structure, 5 for the intro and conclusion, 10 for each paragraph), but you don't have to do this! Point is, recollect your thoughts, especially if you have the time. I find that drinking a bit of water really helps
Economic transformations in the Soviet Union? Really get your stats across, know your stuff. If you want resources, the resource compilation by @owidjaja is super awesome, but I think Power and Privilege by David Christian has some pretty nice stats. Though Ken Webb has a really flawed opinion, his stats are usually solid as well.
I'll leave the last ones to the people with more expertise, because uh I honestly don't know how to answer them in a helpful way!
Hope what I have answered helps anyway!