Paper was very difficult especially mcqs. I scored 48 this year. When paper came into my hand, I knew only 2 mcqs. As in all dates were asked with last option none of the above, there was no chance of guess work. I randomly solved all. Filled the circles I liked believe me. When I came back and checked, I got 8 or 9 correct but during examination I did not know. I knew it is all going to be about subjective so, I specially focused on that portion. I talked to many students after paper as well as at end of examinations. What I understood is that students failed to understand the statements asked in the examination. They were tricky. For example: In question number 6, people wrote "The Marshall Plan" which was completely wrong. So, in my opinion it was due to difficult objective and tricky subjective part which most of the students failed to understand. I do not believe it was butchered.
For attempting US history paper, I will recommend:
1. Prepare Mcqs well from past papers as well as available books
2. Understand the topic
3. There are more than 1 parts in almost all questions. Identify and understand them and answer accordingly by paying equal attention to all parts.
4. I went for opinion based or general questions instead of straight forward questions. It did it because in my opinion they differentiate your paper from others.
5. Make maps, graphs, flow sheet diagrams wherever you can. Pay special attention to presentation.
6. In some questions one can write oceans of knowledge. Example: Question number 8. One needs to think smartly that what should be included and what should not be included.
7. Usually questions are not straight forward. Check paper. No question was like that. All had something which could only be added by extensive reading specially analysis of those events by experts.
8. Solve past papers and get them checked by experts.
9. Do not rely on cramming notes. Study extensively. Make your own bullet notes for revision. Make your opinion about significant past and current events. Discussion is a good idea for these kind of subjects.