Edexcel Certificate History Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Source utility questions ask you to evaluate how useful a source is for investigating a specific historical question. Use the SCAN framework: Source content (what it says) → Context (the historical situation when it was created) → Author (who created it, their perspective, position, and purpose) → Nature (what type of source it is — photograph, speech, official record, private letter). For each element, explain specifically why it makes the source more or less useful — never just describe what the source shows. Extended essay questions (typically worth 12 or 16 marks) reward structured argument construction. Plan before you write: identify the key factors relevant to the question, decide on your line of argument, and determine which factors you will prioritise as most significant. Use topic sentences that directly address the question, not just the topic, and ensure each paragraph links back to the question's focus. For 'how far do you agree' questions, always argue both sides before reaching a substantiated judgement. The judgement should not be a 50/50 'on the one hand, on the other hand' fence-sit — examiners expect you to decide which view is better supported by the evidence you have presented and to explain why.