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I went from being a grade 7 gcse student, to being a grade 9 student at the end of the year.
The predicted paper was fairly accurate, although I more so purchased it for the section A, which you can't do on regular past papers. Would recommend
AQA GCSE History Revision
AQA GCSE History 8514
AQA GCSE History Paper 1
🏰 AQA GCSE History Revision Guide
Getting ready for your AQA GCSE History exams? Don’t panic - with the right info and a good revision plan, you’ll smash it. Let’s break down the exam structure and some top tips for revision.
📝 How many papers are there?
The AQA GCSE History course is assessed through two exam papers. Each paper is worth 50% of your final grade - they both are equally important!
📖 Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World Strengthen your understanding of global and national history using AQA GCSE History Paper 1 past papers, exam questions, and mark
schemes. This paper makes up 50% of your final grade and focuses on major
events shaping the modern world.
⚠️When finding past papers for this exam, each section has its own separate paper.
⏰Duration: 2 hours
🏆Marks available: 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
📌Content: In AQA GCSE History Paper 1, you’ll complete two sections — a Period Study and a Wider World Depth Study. Each section develops your ability to analyse interpretations, evaluate sources, and explain cause and consequence — all key skills for success in AQA History exam questions.
You’ll study one Period Study and one Wider World Depth Study, chosen by your school. These topics are explored below.
Period Study
- America, 1840–1895: Expansion and Consolidation: Understand the expansion of the United States, Native American displacement, and economic growth.
- Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and Dictatorship: Explore Kaiser Wilhelm’s rule, the Weimar Republic, and the rise of Nazi Germany.
- Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and Communism: Study Tsar Nicholas II, Lenin’s revolution, and Stalin’s leadership.
- America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and Inequality: Learn about economic boom and bust, the Civil Rights Movement, and social change in 20th-century America.
Wider World Depth Study
- Conflict and Tension: The First World War, 1894–1918: Examine causes, trench warfare, and peace treaties .
- Conflict and Tension: The Interwar Years, 1918–1939: Understand post-war peace settlements, international relations, and the rise of dictators.
- Conflict and Tension Between East and West, 1945–1972: Cover the Cold War, Berlin blockade, and Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Conflict and Tension in Asia, 1950–1975: Focus on the Korean War and Vietnam War.
- Conflict and Tension in the Gulf and Afghanistan, 1990–2009
- Explore Middle Eastern conflicts, foreign policy, and peace efforts.
❓Question Types:
AQA History Paper 1 tests how well you can analyse interpretations, evaluate sources, and build clear historical arguments. Each question targets a specific skill, here’s how to approach each one.
Section A – Period Study (six compulsory questions, 40 marks)
How do interpretations differ? (4 marks)
Look at both interpretations and identify one clear difference in their viewpoint or emphasis. Quote or paraphrase evidence from each to show contrast. One precise sentence on what they disagree about + one short example is enough.
Why do interpretations differ? (4 marks)
Explain why each historian might have reached a different conclusion. Refer to factors such as the sources used, when they were written, or each author’s focus. Two sentences: one reason for each interpretation, using context.
How convincing are interpretations? (8 marks)
Judge which interpretation is more convincing and why. Use your own knowledge and the evidence in the extracts to support your view. Structure: Point → Evidence → Explain how it supports/contradicts the interpretation → Mini-judgement.
Describe… (4 marks)
Give two short, factual sentences describing key features or events relevant to the question. Each clear detail earns marks; no analysis needed.
In what ways… Explain your answer (8 marks)
Show change, difference, or similarity between two factors or periods. Use comparative phrasing (“While X…, Y…”). Provide evidence and explain why the difference or similarity mattered.
Essay question referring to the bullet points (12 marks)
Choose information from the bullet points in the question to plan 2–3 clear paragraphs. Each paragraph = Point → Evidence → Explanation. Finish with a short conclusion that sums up the overall impact or importance.
Section B – Wider World Depth Study (four compulsory questions, 40 marks)
Source Analysis (4 marks)
Identify what the source shows about the topic. Quote a short phrase and explain what it tells you. Keep it factual — one clear point, one piece of evidence, one sentence of explanation.
How useful are sources… (8 marks)
Assess usefulness by combining content with provenance (who / when / why). Point → Evidence from source → Context → Judgement (“useful to a great/some/limited extent because…”). Mention both value and limitation.
Write an account (8 marks)
Explain how one event led to another. Use chronological order and link causes and effects clearly. Each paragraph should move the story forward with specific details. End by summarising the overall outcome.
Essay question – How far do you agree? (20 marks + 4 SPaG)
This is your extended argument.
Begin with your overall view (“I agree to a [great/some/limited] extent because…”).
Write 3 main paragraphs – two supporting, one challenging.
Use accurate evidence in each.
Conclude with a clear final judgement: which factor mattered most and why.
Marks also reward clear paragraphing, spelling and punctuation.
Command Words in AQA History
Describe / Identify – give short, factual details.
Explain / Account for – show clear reasons or results.
Analyse / Evaluate / How convincing / How useful – judge evidence using knowledge and context.
Assess / How far do you agree? – weigh arguments and reach a justified conclusion.
Understanding what each command word asks helps you plan confidently and earn every available mark.
Ready to practise? Each question type links to a Primrose Kitten revision course with model answers, timed practice, and examiner tips.
AQA GCSE History Paper 2
📜 Paper 2: Shaping the Nation - Strengthen your understanding of Britain’s past using
AQA GCSE History Paper 2 past papers, exam questions, and mark schemes. This
paper makes up 50% of your final GCSE grade and focuses on long-term changes
and major themes in British history.
⚠️When finding past papers for this exam, each section has its own separate paper.
⏰Duration: 2 hours
🏆Marks available: 84 marks (including 4 marks for SPaG)
📌Content: In AQA GCSE History Paper 2, you’ll complete two sections — a Thematic Study and a British Depth Study. These test your ability to analyse change and continuity, explain cause and consequence, and evaluate key historical interpretations. You’ll study one Thematic Study and one British Depth Study, chosen by your school. Each is detailed below.
Thematic Study (Section A)- Britain: Health and the People, c1000–present: Explore the development of medicine and public health from medieval times to the NHS. Understand key individuals such as Jenner, Nightingale, and Snow, and learn how medical change improved society.- Britain: Power and the People, c1170–present: Study the story of British democracy — from Magna Carta and Parliament’s rise to modern-day reforms. Focus on protests, social movements, and government change.- Britain: Migration, Empires and the People, c790–present: Analyse how migration and empire shaped Britain’s identity, exploring the British Empire, industrialisation, and global connections.British Depth Study (Section B)- Norman England, c1066–c1100: Examine the Norman conquest, feudal system, and church influence, using case studies and source skills.- Medieval England: The Reign of Edward I, 1272–1307: Learn about Edward I’s government, laws, and castle-building.- Elizabethan England, c1568–1603: Study Elizabeth I’s reign, the religious settlement, and the Spanish Armada.- Restoration England, 1660–1685: Explore the return of the monarchy under Charles II, the Great Fire of London, and political changes in Restoration Britain.
❓Question Types: Paper 2 tests how you handle evidence, significance, comparison and long-term change. Each question targets a different historical skill – here’s how to approach them clearly and confidently.
Section A – Thematic Study (4 compulsory questions, 40 marks)
How useful is Source … ? (8 marks)
Focus on what the source shows and how reliable it is.
Use content + provenance + context:
Identify what the source tells you about the topic.
Use your knowledge to explain what it reveals or misses.
Finish with a balanced line – “Useful to a great/some/limited extent because …”.
Mention both value and limitation.
Explain the significance of … (8 marks)
Choose two clear points that show why the person/event/development mattered.
Use the chain Point → Evidence → Explanation → Impact.
Example: “The discovery of penicillin was significant because it changed …, leading to … .”
End by linking back to wider change.
Explain two ways in which X and Y were similar or different (8 marks)
Compare the two topics directly.
Structure → 1 paragraph per similarity/difference.
Use linking phrases such as “While X …, Y …”.
Include evidence for each and explain why that difference or similarity is important.
Essay question using factors (20 marks + 4 SPaG)
Plan first: choose three main factors (social, political, technological, etc.).
Each paragraph = Point → Evidence → Analysis → Mini-judgement.
Conclude with a clear statement of which factor was most significant and why.
SPaG marks reward clear spelling and paragraphing.
Section B – British Depth Study with Interpretations (4 compulsory questions, 40 marks)
How far do you agree with this statement? (8 marks)
Show both sides briefly, then make a decision.
Para 1 – Evidence that supports the statement.
Para 2 – Evidence that challenges it.
End with: “Overall, I agree to a [great/some/limited] extent because …”.
Explain … (8 marks)
Give two clear reasons or effects.
Each paragraph = Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Keep detail tight and link directly to the focus of the question.
Write an account … (8 marks)
Tell the story of how an event unfolded or developed.
Use chronological order and connect each stage logically – show cause and consequence, not just narration.
Include at least three specific details (dates, names or outcomes).
Essay question linked to specified site (16 marks)
Refer to what the site shows about people, power or events from the period.
Combine precise site evidence (features, purpose, context) with wider historical knowledge.
Finish with a short judgement: what the site reveals overall and why it is important.
Command Words in AQA History Paper 2
- Describe / Identify – give short, factual details.
- Explain / Account for – show clear reasons or effects.
- Analyse / Evaluate / How useful / How far do you agree – weigh evidence and judge reliability or significance.
- Assess / Discuss / Evaluate factors – compare and prioritise causes before reaching a conclusion.
Understanding exactly what each word demands helps you plan fast and hit every mark band.
Ready to practise? Each question type links to a Primrose Kitten course with model answers, examiner tips and timed practice tasks.
👉 Frequently Asked Questions – AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (Understanding the Modern World)
Q1. What does Paper 1 of AQA GCSE History test?
Paper 1 explores the modern world. You’ll study one Period Study (like America 1920–73 or Germany 1890–1945) and one Wider World Depth Study (such as Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950–75 or The Cold War 1945–72). It’s all about understanding causes, events and consequences in the twentieth century.
Q2. How should I revise for Paper 1 topics like Germany or the USA?
Start by building timelines to see how one event leads to another. For Germany, focus on changes in government and society; for the USA, learn how economic boom and civil rights shaped the country. Use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for every longer answer.
Q3. What are the main Paper 1 question types?
Section A has six compulsory questions worth 40 marks. You’ll see interpretation and analysis questions like “How do interpretations differ?” (4 marks), “Why do interpretations differ?” (4 marks), and “How convincing are interpretations?” (8 marks). Section B has four source-based and essay-style questions, including a 20-mark essay with 4 SPaG marks.
Q4. How can I revise for interpretation questions?
Compare what each historian emphasises and why. Ask: What’s different in their focus? Why might they see it that way? Link your answer to when and why the interpretations were written. Short, specific examples show high-level understanding.
Q5. What does the 20-mark “How far do you agree?” essay in Paper 1 look for?
A balanced, well-structured argument. Plan before you write: two paragraphs supporting, one challenging, then a clear conclusion. Use facts — names, dates, and events — to back every point. End with a judgement line (“Overall, I agree to a great/some/limited extent because…”).
Q6. What are common Paper 1 mistakes?
Forgetting to compare interpretations directly.
Writing narrative instead of analysis.
Using vague evidence (“people were unhappy”) instead of precise detail.
Keep every paragraph focused and evidence-rich.
Q7. How should I manage my time in Paper 1?
You have 2 hours total — aim for around 45 minutes per section. The final essay is worth the most, so leave at least 25 minutes to plan and write it clearly.
Q8. What are the most popular Paper 1 topics?
Most schools teach Germany 1890–1945 and Conflict and Tension: The First World War 1894–1918. Others include The USA 1920–73 and Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950–75.
Q9. How can I use past papers effectively for Paper 1?
Answer one full section under timed conditions each week. Afterwards, highlight where you used interpretations or sources effectively. Then rewrite your weakest answer — improvement comes from reflection, not repetition.
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Q10. How do I boost my confidence before the Paper 1 exam?
Practise small sections often instead of long cramming sessions. Test yourself on causes, consequences and key individuals. Mix writing practice with podcasts or videos — it helps memory stick while keeping revision varied.
👉Frequently Asked Questions – AQA GCSE History Paper 2 (Shaping the Nation)
Q1. What does Paper 2 of AQA GCSE History test?
Paper 2 is about Britain’s story 🇬🇧 — how it changed politically, socially and culturally. You’ll study one Thematic Study (like Health and the People or Power and the People) and one British Depth Study (such as Elizabethan England or Restoration England).
Q2. How should I revise for Thematic Studies like Health and the People?
Create a timeline of medical change from medieval to modern times. Focus on turning points — like germ theory or the creation of the NHS. Use the chain: What changed → Why → Impact → Continuity.
Q3. What are the key question types in Paper 2?
Section A (Thematic Study) has four compulsory questions:
How useful is Source A? (8 marks)
Explain the significance of… (8 marks)
Explain two ways in which… (8 marks)
Essay using factors (20 marks + 4 SPaG)
Section B (Depth Study) mirrors this structure but focuses on specific events and sites, like the Elizabethan theatre or castles.
Q4. How can I revise for “Significance” questions?
Explain why an event mattered short-term and long-term. For example, the Black Death changed medicine and society — not just health. Two solid reasons, each with evidence, make a great 8-mark answer.
Q5. What does the site study in Paper 2 ask for?
You’ll analyse a specific site, like the Globe Theatre or Kenilworth Castle. Link the site’s features to what it shows about the period — its design, purpose and what it reveals about people’s lives. Use both detail and context.
Q6. What are common Paper 2 mistakes?
Not linking the site to the wider topic.
Ignoring the time period in significance questions.
Forgetting to connect cause and effect.
Always check you’re explaining why something mattered, not just describing it.
Q7. How can I manage time in Paper 2?
Spend about 50 minutes per section (Thematic + Depth). The 20-mark essay deserves around 25 minutes — plan briefly, then write confidently. Don’t forget 4 marks come from SPaG, so keep sentences clear and accurate.
Q8. What are the most popular Paper 2 topics?
Many schools teach Health and the People and Elizabethan England — they’re full of stories, innovations and key individuals. The same skills transfer between them: spotting change, explaining significance and judging importance.
Q9. How can I practise for Paper 2 essay questions?
Use the PEEL structure and practise writing short plans for 20-markers. Each paragraph = one factor, explained with evidence. End with a line of judgement — the key to high marks.
Q10. How should I balance Paper 1 and Paper 2 revision?
Alternate weekly: one modern topic (Paper 1), one British theme (Paper 2). Mix writing practice with quizzes, documentaries and podcasts. Consistent variety keeps your motivation high and your knowledge fresh.
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AQA GCSE History Paper 1 | Past Papers
AQA GCSE History Paper 2 | Past Papers
👉How to revise for effectively for AQA History
✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:
History isn’t just about memorising dates - it’s about understanding themes, causes and consequences. Here are some tried-and-tested tips:
1. Make a Revision Plan 📅
Split your time between the different topics. Don’t just focus on your favourites - remember both papers are worth 50% of your overall grade!
2. Use Flashcards & Timelines 🗂️
Flashcards = great for key dates, events, and people.
Timelines = help you see cause and effect clearly.
3. Practice Past Papers 📝
The best way to get used to the style of questions is to practise with past papers. We've got you covered on this page with links to the past papers! Set a timer to get used to exam conditions⏱️.
4. Focus on Skills, Not Just Content 🧠
Explain significance: Why did something matter?
Compare interpretations: Why might two historians disagree?
Analyse sources: Think about provenance (who wrote it, when, why).
5. Learn how to best answer the different styles of questions ✍️
Phrases like “How useful are these sources?” or “Write an account of…” are compulsory questions. Get familiar with what they mean and how to answer.
6. Revise with Friends 🤝
Quiz each other, explain events out loud - teaching someone else is one of the best ways to remember!
⭐ Final Thoughts
GCSE History is all about showing what you understand, not just what you can memorise. Break your revision into manageable chunks, practise exam-style questions and keep reminding yourself: you’ve got this! 💪
Good luck - future historians in the making! 🏰