Tips on how to tackle History Paper 1 :

General comments:


For the first question do not write too lengthy responses which deviate from the focus of the question. The assessment objective target for all (a) questions throughout the paper is recall.

Sometimes candidates’ responses to (b) questions remain descriptive or just identification.

Students must turn their statements into explanations so that in the examination they are able to show the Examiner their understanding of that particular aspect of history in the context of the period it happened.


(c) questions must develop both sides of the argument. It is not necessary for candidates to make a judgment at the start of their answer. Indeed this approach often results in them failing to challenge the hypothesis. They may find it useful to think of a plan which allows for an initial paragraph, or paragraphs, to support the hypothesis and then to put forward reasoned arguments as to why the hypothesis should be challenged. Once a more balanced answer is produced, candidates are in a better position to make a supported judgment or reach a valid conclusion. It is important that candidates move away from writing a summary of what has just been said as an attempt to reach their judgement.It must be noted that a number of candidates fail to achieve high level marks as they only write about one side of the argument.


It is a good practice among candidates to plan out their responses, particularly to part (c) questions. This approach generally produces a better quality of answer which had a more logical approach to it.