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Edexcel GCSE History Revision
Edexcel GCSE History (1HI0) Specification
Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1
🏰 Your Guide to Edexcel GCSE History Revision
Preparing for your Edexcel GCSE History exams can feel like a huge task - but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you! 📚 Whether you’re wondering how many papers there are, what’s in them or how best to revise, this guide has you covered.
📑 How Many Papers Are There?
For Edexcel GCSE History, you’ll sit three papers in total:
Paper 1: Thematic Study and Historic Environment
Paper 2: Period Study and British Depth Study
Paper 3: Modern Depth Study
Each paper tests slightly different skills, so it’s important to know what to expect. Across all papers, the total marks is 160 + 8 for SPaG.
📝 Paper Overviews
⏰Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
🏆Marks: 52 marks (30% of the overall grade)
📌Content: In Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1, you’ll explore the Thematic Study and Historic Environment — worth 30% of your overall grade. This paper is split into two sections that test different skills and question types.
Section A – Historic Environment:You’ll answer two source-based questions that test how well you can use your historical knowledge to analyse evidence and draw conclusions. These questions appear in Edexcel GCSE History papers and help you develop strong source evaluation skills.Section B – Thematic Study:You’ll answer three questions that assess your knowledge and understanding of historical change and continuity across long periods of time. The first two questions are compulsory, and for the third, you’ll choose one from two options.Together, these sections give you a full picture of how themes and environments interact — helping you practise both knowledge recall and analytical skills using real exam-style questions.You’ll study one of the following Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1 topics and their linked Historic Environment:- Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000-present: Analysing law and order, policing, and punishment changes over time, including Whitechapel, c1870-1900 (Crime and Policing in the Inner City)- Medicine in Britain, c1250-present: Tracing key medical developments, from medieval surgery to modern healthcare, and studying the Western Front case study- Warfare and British Society, c1250-present: Exploring technological change, battle tactics, and the social impact of warfare across time, including London and the Second World War, 1939-45- Migrants in Britain, c800-present: Studying how migration has shaped British society, paired with Notting Hill, c1948-70
❓Question Types:
Each question in Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1 tests a different historical skill — from describing key features to analysing sources and writing an extended argument. Here’s how to approach each one with confidence.
Describe Two Features (4 marks)
Focus: Knowledge recall and clarity. Pick two clear features directly linked to the question. Each feature is worth up to 2 marks: 1 for naming it and 1 for giving precise detail. Keep it short and sharp — two well-developed sentences per feature.
Example: “One feature of medieval punishment was trial by ordeal, where guilt was tested through painful rituals such as holding hot iron.”
Study Sources A and B (12 marks)
Focus: Source analysis (AO3).
Question:
Q. How useful are Sources A and B for an enquiry into…?
Q. Look at both content and provenance (who, when, why).
1. Identify what each source shows about the topic.
2. Support your points with a short quotation or description.
3. Evaluate usefulness using context: what the source reveals, what it misses, and how its purpose might shape reliability. Finish with a short overall judgement: “Overall, Source A is useful to a moderate extent because…”.
Explain One Way (4 marks)
Focus: Comparison and change. Compare two time periods, groups or ideas. Use a comparative sentence: “One way in which X and Y were different/similar was…” and follow with evidence. Add a brief reason for the difference — don’t just list facts.
Explain Why (12 marks)
Focus: Cause and consequence. Plan two or three clear causes. Write one paragraph per cause using the chain: Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Use precise facts (dates, names, statistics) and link each cause directly to the outcome. End each paragraph with “This was significant because…”. Aim for three well-developed paragraphs plus a short conclusion.
How Far Do You Agree? (16 marks + SPaG)
Focus: Extended argument (AO1 + AO2). Build a balanced essay weighing at least two sides of the argument.
1. Start with your judgement: “Overall, I agree to a [great/some/limited] extent because…”. 2. Plan three paragraphs — one supporting, one challenging, one showing wider context or change.
3. Use precise evidence in each paragraph and make mini-judgements as you go.
4. Conclude with “On balance, [top factor] was most significant because…”.
5. Remember 4 extra marks for SPaG — clear spelling, punctuation and paragraphing make a difference.
Command Words in Edexcel GCSE History
Describe – identify and give short factual details.
Explain – give clear reasons or effects, linking each to the question focus.
Analyse / Evaluate – explore how or why something mattered, supported by evidence.
Assess / How far do you agree? – weigh up arguments and reach a clear, prioritised judgement.
Understanding these words helps you plan quickly and write exactly what the examiner wants.
Ready to practise? Each question type links to a Primrose Kitten course with model answers and timed exam practice.
Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2
🏰 Paper 2: Period Study and British Depth Study – Practise your skills using Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2 past papers, mark schemes, and exam-style questions from both the Period Study and British Depth Study sections. Each topic below includes popular areas often featured in Paper 2 exam questions.
⏰Duration: 1 hour 45 mins - 2 Separate booklets and this is the total time for both
🏆Marks: 64 marks (40% of the overall grade)
📌Content: You’ll complete one Period Study and one British Depth Study, chosen by your school. Each focuses on a different time period and skill set, explore both in detail below:
British Depth Study
- Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–1088: Explore Norman conquest themes like the Battle of Hastings, feudal system, and Norman castles.
- The reigns of King Richard I and King John, 1189–1216: Study medieval kingship, Richard the Lionheart, and King John’s reign.
- Henry VIII and his Ministers, 1509–1540: Understand Henry VIII’s reforms, Thomas Cromwell’s influence, and the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- Early Elizabethan England, 1558–1588: Cover Elizabethan government, religious settlement, and the Spanish Armada.
Period Study
- Spain and the ‘New World’, c1490–c1555: Learn about Spanish exploration, colonisation, and the Aztec conquest.
- British America, 1713–1783: empire and revolution: Study the Thirteen Colonies, American Revolution, and British imperial policies.
- The American West, c1835–c1895: Examine Native American life, westward expansion, and conflict on the plains.
- Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941–91: Focus on Cold War crises, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Berlin Wall tension.
- Conflict in the Middle East, 1945–1995: Analyse Arab-Israeli conflicts, peace agreements, and foreign intervention.
❓Question Types:
Paper 2 combines two key components — the Period Study (change and continuity over time) and the British Depth Study (detailed understanding of people, politics, and key events).
Each question tests a specific exam skill. Here’s how to approach each one confidently.
Explain Two Consequences (4 marks)
Focus: Cause and effect. Write two short paragraphs — one for each consequence. Use the chain: Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Example: “One consequence of the Cuban Missile Crisis was improved communication between the USA and USSR because it led to the creation of the hotline in 1963.” Keep each paragraph brief but precise, using real examples.
Write a Narrative Account (8 marks)
Focus: Chronological explanation. You’ll need to show how events linked together to produce change or a result.
1. Use clear sequencing (first, then, next, finally).
2. Explain *why* each stage led to the next — not just what happened.
3. Include at least three precise factual details (dates, names, places). Finish with a short sentence summarising the overall development. Tip: think “timeline with causes,” not just a story.
Explain Two of the Following (16 marks)
Focus: Depth of knowledge and clarity. Choose two from the three options given. Each explanation should follow the same pattern as an 8–12-mark answer: Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Cover two distinct ideas and include precise supporting examples. End each with “This was significant because…” to show analytical understanding.
Describe Two Features (4 marks)
Focus: Factual recall. Pick two relevant features from the topic. Each is worth 2 marks — 1 for identification and 1 for detail.
Example: “One feature of Elizabethan poor relief was the setting up of parish workhouses to provide employment for the poor.” Be direct: one or two sentences per feature.
Explain Why (12 marks)
Focus: Explaining causes or reasons. Plan two or three causes and write one paragraph per cause. Each paragraph = Point → Evidence → Explanation.
Use specific knowledge to show why the cause mattered. End with “This was important because…” to highlight significance. Aim for three short, well-developed paragraphs plus a brief summary line.
How Far Do You Agree with a Statement? (16 marks)
Focus: Balanced argument and judgement. This is your extended essay — similar in style to the 16-marker in Paper 1.
1. Start with your viewpoint: “Overall, I agree to a [great/some/limited] extent because…”.
2. Develop two paragraphs supporting the statement, and one challenging it.
3. Use accurate evidence throughout — dates, names, key events.
4. Conclude with a reasoned judgement: “On balance, the [factor] was more significant because…”. Marks also include SPaG, so use clear paragraphs and punctuation.
Command Words in Paper 2
Describe – give brief factual details.
Explain – show clear reasons or effects.
Analyse – explore links or importance using evidence.
Assess / How far do you agree? – weigh arguments and reach a justified conclusion.
Understanding exactly what each word demands helps you target every mark.
Ready to practise? Each question type links to a Primrose Kitten course with model answers, examiner-style feedback and timed writing tasks.
Edexcel GCSE History Paper 3
⏰Duration: 1 hour 20 mins
🏆Marks: 52 marks (30% of the overall grade)
📌Content: A focused look at a modern history topic - choose from Russia and the Soviet Union, Weimar and Nazi Germany, Mao's China, and the USA - conflcit at home and aborad.
- Section A - You will answer a question on your chosen topic based on a provided source and one question from a choice of two that assesses their knowledge and understanding.
- Section B - You will answer a single four-part question on your chosen topic, based on two provided sources and two provided interpretations.
❓Question Types:
Give two things that you can infer from a source (4 marks)
Explain why (12 marks)
How useful are sources B and C. Explain your answer. (8 marks)
Study interpretations - what is the main difference? (4 marks) Suggest one reason why they might they be different? (4 marks)
How far do you agree with interpretation 2? (16 marks) SPAG
✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:
1. Know the Exam Structure 🗂️
Be clear on which topics are in each paper. Create a checklist and tick things off as you revise.
2. Practice Past Papers ✍️
Get used to the style of questions. Time yourself when answering - it will help you manage the real exam.
3. Master Key Dates and Facts 📆
Flashcards are your friend! Write a date/event on one side and its significance on the other. Quiz yourself regularly.
4. Revise Themes, Not Just Events 🔍
Think about change and continuity, cause and consequence, and similarity and difference. These ideas are central to the mark schemes.
5. Use Active Revision Techniques 🎯
Mind maps for themes.
Teaching a topic to a friend.
Colour-coded notes for causes/effects.
6. Practise Source and Interpretation Skills 📜
Don’t just memorise facts - work on analysing sources and evaluating historians’ interpretations.
✅ Final Tip: Don’t just memorise - practise explaining why things happened, not just what happened. That’s what really boosts your marks.
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Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1 | Past Papers
Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2 | Past Papers
👉 Frequently Asked Questions – Edexcel GCSE History Paper 1 (Thematic Study & Historic Environment
Q1. What does Paper 1 of Edexcel GCSE History test?
Paper 1 looks at long-term change and continuity across British history. You’ll study one thematic topic, such as Crime and Punishment in Britain, Medicine in Britain, Warfare and British Society, or Migrants in Britain, alongside a matching historic environment like Whitechapel, the Western Front, or Notting Hill. It tests both your knowledge and your ability to think like a historian.
Q2. How should I revise for Paper 1 topics like Medicine or Crime and Punishment?
Start with timelines. Note key events, people and turning points — then colour-code causes, changes and continuities. Use flashcards for key dates and laws, and practise “Explain why…” questions using PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). Active revision beats rereading every time.
Q3. What are the most common question types in Paper 1?
You’ll usually face:
Describe two features (4 marks)
Study Sources A and B (12 marks)
Explain why… (12 marks)
How far do you agree? (16 marks + 4 SPaG)
Each question tests a different skill: factual recall, source analysis, cause and effect, and balanced argument.
Q4. How should I approach the Historic Environment section?
The historic environment links directly to your thematic topic — for example, Medicine connects to the Western Front. Learn the context and sources together. Always connect local detail (like trench medicine) to the bigger theme (medical progress).
Q5. What are the most popular Paper 1 topics?
Across schools, Medicine in Britain and Crime and Punishment in Britain are the most common choices. They’re detailed but full of patterns — ideal for spotting change and continuity. Knowing a few key turning points (like the discovery of penicillin or the ending of the Bloody Code) can really boost confidence.
Q6. How can I revise the source questions for Paper 1?
Practise “What does the source show?” vs. “How useful is this source?” Compare what’s said with what’s missing, and always use your own knowledge to support your view. Remember: provenance (who, when, why) can add easy marks.
Q7. What are common Paper 1 mistakes?
Forgetting to use the source in your answer.
Writing stories instead of analysis.
Not managing time: students spend too long on short questions and rush the essay.
Plan quickly, write clearly, and always leave two minutes to check your final paragraph.
Q8. How can I practise Paper 1 essays effectively?
Use past papers to rehearse structure and timing. Write short essay plans for key questions (e.g. “How far do you agree that religion was the main cause of medical change?”). Mark yourself against examiner comments — it’s one of the fastest ways to improve.
Q9. Are Paper 1 topics harder than Paper 2 or 3?
They’re different — Paper 1 focuses on change over time, while Papers 2 and 3 test depth and analysis. If you enjoy spotting patterns and explaining progress, Paper 1 plays to your strengths.
Q10. How should I balance Paper 1 revision with other papers?
Dedicate one week per theme in rotation — e.g. Week 1 Medicine, Week 2 Cold War, Week 3 Elizabethan England. Mix flashcards, essays and documentaries to keep things fresh and memorable.
👉 Frequently Asked Questions – Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2 (Period Study & British Depth Study)
Q1. What does Paper 2 cover?
Paper 2 has two parts:
A Period Study, such as Superpower Relations and the Cold War or The American West.
A British Depth Study, like Henry VIII and his Ministers or Elizabethan England.
It’s all about understanding key events in detail and explaining how and why they happened.
Q2. What are the main question types for Paper 2?
You’ll usually get:
Explain two consequences (8 marks)
Write a narrative account (8 marks)
Explain why… (12 marks)
How far do you agree? (16 marks)
Each question rewards strong chronological understanding and precise evidence.
Q3. How can I revise for Period Studies like the Cold War or American West?
Build clear timelines and focus on cause and consequence. For the Cold War, know key crises (Berlin, Cuba, Afghanistan). For the American West, learn major migrations, conflicts, and government actions. Use maps and mind maps to link causes visually.
Q4. How can I revise for the British Depth Studies like Henry VIII or Elizabeth I?
Create short summaries for each monarch’s key challenges — religion, rebellion, and foreign policy. Practise writing mini essays explaining why events happened. Example: “Explain why Henry VIII broke with Rome.” Focus on both political ambition and religious reform.
Q5. What are common Paper 2 mistakes?
Mixing up periods or key people (e.g. confusing Richard I with John).
Telling the story instead of analysing it.
Forgetting to use precise dates or evidence.
Use the PEEL structure to keep paragraphs focused and analytical.
Q6. What are the most popular Paper 2 topics?
The top picks are Superpower Relations, Henry VIII and his Ministers, and Elizabethan England. They combine engaging stories with clear cause-and-effect structures — perfect for practising exam essays.
Q7. How can I manage my time in Paper 2?
Spend around 25 minutes per section question, plus a few minutes for planning. Don’t write long introductions — dive straight into your first point. Keep an eye on the clock, especially during the 16-marker.
Q8. How should I structure a 16-mark “How far do you agree?” essay?
1️. Decide your stance.
2️. Plan 3 paragraphs — two supporting, one challenging.
3️. Use precise evidence (names, dates, laws).
4️. End with a balanced conclusion: “Overall, ___ was the most significant factor because”
Short, sharp, structured = top marks .
Q9. How do I link my Depth and Period Studies in revision?
Spot common themes — leadership, religion, conflict, technology. Linking helps memory and boosts understanding. For example, Henry VIII’s power struggles connect well to Cold War superpower rivalry.
Q10. How can I practise Paper 2 effectively?
Use past papers under timed conditions. After each essay, review: did you explain, evidence, and link (EEL)? Little tweaks here make a big difference on exam day.
Edexcel GCSE History Paper 3 | Past Papers