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A Level History Source Questions – How To Answer

This post shows you how to answer the A Level History Source Questions that will make up a part of your exam. A Level History Source Questions follow different formulas across all three exam boards of AQA, Edexcel and OCR. However, the questions asked will always ask you to assess the value of sources to an historian, with regard to that particular topic and question. This means that the same skills and techniques are applicable for each source in terms of identification as well as analysis and judgement. Finally, the number of sources to deal with may also vary between one and four.


A level History Source Question Structure

A Level History Source Questions How To Answer

Here you can see the perfect structure for analysing primary sources. This structure is to deal with one single source. From that source you want to pick out a minimum of 3 pieces of key information that can help you assess its value. This is represented by the line running down the illustration. These pieces of information should cover the content of the source as well as the provenance and tone and emphasis.

Of the different pieces of information that you pick out from the source, some should give it value, whilst others limit its value. This provides a balanced analysis of the source. At the same time your analysis will be decisive in assessing the source dependent upon whether there is more value or limitations associated with it. This assessment can be concluded in a final summary.


A Level History Source Questions – Important Further Advice

The above structure should give you an excellent basis for how to deal with any A Level History source. The following points are the most important ‘tips’, alongside common mistakes, in regard to primary sources.

  • Answer what the question is asking. Make sure you use the source(s) to actually answer what the question is asking. Often I see students not doing this. Focus on the value and limitations of the source(s) with regard to the topic area and the actual question asked. Specifically referring back to the question when talking through points can help you remain focused on this.
  • Pick a range of key information to assess value. You shouldn’t focus solely on the content of a source. Nor should you focus completely on the provenance and tone/emphasis. There will be value and limitations within many areas. Thus, when selecting information pick a wide range that best illustrates your assessment of the source.
  • Use your contextual knowledge. The mark schemes require you to demonstrate awareness of the historical context when assessing the value of sources. What contextual knowledge can you use to make inferences from the source and back up your judgements?
  • Don’t talk about what is not in the source, but focus on what you identify from within it. This is a very common mistake. We can’t limit a source by what is not in it. Every source is limited in this sense, because no source will contain every possible piece of information. Instead, look for limitations in the information that is actually there. E.g. – ‘this speech was given by a prominent supporter of economic reform in order to persuade others of his view.’ ‘this article was published by the state run newspaper to vilify the opposition’ etc.

How To Improve Further at A Level History

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk


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