IGCSE HISTORY TIPS

By Victoria González Márquez

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! This is the most important tip of all. If you do not
understand the questions correctly, you will fail no matter how much you write.

ALWAYS CHECK THAT YOUR ANSWERS ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE QUESTION! If you have some
time left, check that you did not get carried away in the answers and that you actually
answer what you got asked for.

USE THE VOCABULARY INCLUDED IN THE QUESTIONS TO WRITE YOUR ANSWERS! If you feel
like you do not know how to start writing an answer, the best is to rephrase the actual
question. Copying words form the question will also help you avoiding spelling mistakes.

WRITE IN FULL SENTENCES AND AVOID ABREVIATIONS! Remember this is a formal exam and
your writing must be formal too. Clear handwriting is a must, too.

TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY! Do not spend too much time on questions that give you just a
few marks. Have a strategy to use the time on each paper wisely.

PAPER 1
TIME: 120 minutes for 3 questions (each with parts a, b and c)
(40 minutes per question)

Part (a): What / How

MARKS: 4 marks, 1 mark per correct statement.
ANSWER: You should write 4 to 6 evidence based statements (more than 4 in case of error).
TIPS:
 Write full sentences but don't write too much. Part (a) is supposed to be short.

Part (b): Why

MARKS: 6 marks, you get 5 for a full explanation, full marks if you include a second
explanation.
ANSWER: 2 to 4 paragraphs with clear explanations that answer the question directly.
TIPS:
 Never forget to use words that answer the ‘why’: because, a reason why, due to…
 PEE technique (point, evidence and explanation).
Point: main idea or argument. “One of the most important reasons […] was because…”
Evidence: examples that you use to support your point. “For example…”
Explanation: why the evidence is relevant and how it helps to support your argument.
“This supports the idea that…” “This also suggests that…”
 Divide your explanations in different paragraphs.

Part (c): To what extent / How far do you agree

MARKS: 10 marks, 8 to 9 marks for at least two explanations on each side of an essay. Full
marks if you add a good conclusion to a balanced essay.
ANSWER: Structured essay. It should show both sides of an argument and be balanced and
unbiased. The conclusion should have a balanced judgement that addresses the question.
TIPS:

1
  Use PEE technique explained above.
 Divide your essay in different paragraphs:
o Introduction (optional)
o “On the one hand…” (at least two arguments on one side)
o “On the other hand” (at least two arguments on the other side)
o “To conclude, I would say that I partially agree with the statement because…”
 Use a variety of connectives:
o To add to the same idea: moreover, furthermore, additionally, also…
o To compare similar ideas: similarly, likewise, a similar case…
o To contrast different ideas: however, nevertheless, instead…
o To show consequences: hence, therefore, as a result, so, in consequence…
o To show examples: for example, for instance, such as…

PAPER 2
TIME: 120 minutes
(20 minutes per question)
MARKS: 50 marks, 7 or 8 for each question except for the last one that gets 12 marks.
TIPS:
 Always answer the question directly in the first sentence of your answer.
 All answers must include both references to the sources and historical context.
 Use the vocabulary and information from the sources and the background information
given in the paper. You can use “quotation marks” and copy parts of the sources.
 If you are not quoting a source but adding your knowledge, make it clear. For example:
“From my own knowledge I can add…”
 Underline and make notes on the side of each source.
 Use the WHIRL method to analyse a source:
o What does it show?
o How much information does it give?
o Is it Reliable?
o Does it Link to other sources?
 Answer questions 1 to 5 in order and, while you analyse the sources (which will be in
the same order as the questions), keep in mind question 6 and write YES or NO (or
both, sometimes sources can be interpreted in more than one way) on the side of each
source. When you get to question 6 this should help you answer quickly.

TYPES OF QUESTIONS:
 “How similar are these sources?” ANSWER: Two paragraphs, one for how similar and
one for how different they are.
 “Study this source. Does it prove that…?” ANSWER: Two paragraphs, yes it does prove
it to a certain extent; no, it does not prove it.
 “Is this source more reliable than this other?” ANSWER: Two paragraphs, yes and no.
 “Do these two sources agree with this other source?” ANSWER: Do not get confused
when you have to analyse three sources. The answer should still have two paragraphs:
yes, they agree; no, they do not. Cross-reference the three sources in each paragraph.
 “How surprised are you by this source?” ANSWER: Two paragraphs, yes it surprises
me; no, it does not surprise me.
 “Study all the sources. How far do they agree with the statement?” ANSWER: “On the
one hand, some of the sources agree with the statement. For example…” and write a
short paragraph for each source that agrees. “On the other hand, there are many

2
 sources that disagree. For example…” and write a short paragraph for each source that
disagrees.
PAPER 4
TIME: 60 minutes
(60 minutes per question)

MARKS: 40 marks, 7 or 8 for each question except for the last one that gets 12 marks.

Full marks for candidates that:

• Produce well-balanced and well-developed explanations that directly assess

importance/significance to reach substantial judgements and conclusions.
• Select, organise and deploy effectively and relevantly a wide range of in-depth contextual
knowledge to support explanations and conclusions.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the key features, reasons, results and changes of
societies, events, people and situations relevant to the question.
• Produce well developed, well-reasoned and well supported judgements/conclusions.
• Write with precision and succinctness, showing explicit structure and focus.

TIPS:

 Use a similar structure to the one in Part (c) from Paper 1. You should write a
structured essay with two balanced sides. The only difference is that this time you
must include as many details as you can remember and write a lengthy introduction
and conclusion.
 Aim to write between 800 and 1000 words.
 Your answer should have YES and NO sides. For example, if the question is “Goebbels
was the most important figure that helped the Nazis come to power. How far do you
agree with the statement?”, your answer should have a side that explains why YES, he
was very important, and another side that shows that NO, he was not that important
and there were other relevant factors.
 Structure:
o Introduction: one long paragraph that introduces the topic of the question and
relates it to the general historical context.
o Body: at least five paragraphs that explore both sides of the argument.
o Conclusion: summarize your main ideas and answer the question clearly.
 Make reference to the topic of the question often (you must be able to link all the
details you include to the question).
 WRITE! A! LOT!

I know it is a lot of pressure and there are so many tips to keep in mind, but I am
sure you are well prepared and that you are going to do great in your IGCSEs!

GOOD LUCK!