How to Answer Every Edexcel IGCSE History Question: Paper 1 & 2 Guide
Updated: 5 days ago
Not sure how to answer Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) History exam questions? This complete 4HI1 exam-technique guide explains every question type across Paper 1 and Paper 2. You’ll learn exactly what examiners expect, how to structure each answer, how long to spend and what separates a basic response from a top-mark answer.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 1, Question (a): Impression
Question (a) is worth 6 marks. Spend about 6–8 minutes on it.
You must explain the overall impression the author creates about the person, event or policy.
How to answer
State the impression clearly
Begin:
“The author gives the impression that…”
Be specific—for example, was the person powerful, unpopular or ineffective? Was the policy successful or damaging?
Support it with the extract
Choose two or three short quotations or details that create this impression.
Explain how the impression is created
Do not simply copy the extract. Explain how the author’s:
choice of words and tone;
emphasis on particular facts;
focus on certain successes or failures; and
omission of other relevant information
encourages the reader to form that impression.
Simple answer structure
The author gives the impression that [overall impression]. This is shown by “[short quotation]”, which suggests that [explanation]. The author also emphasises [second detail], creating the impression that [explanation]. By focusing on [what is included] while leaving out [what is omitted, if relevant], the author presents a [positive/negative/one-sided] view.
Remember
For 5–6 marks, you must do more than identify the impression and quote the extract. You must explain how the author’s selection and treatment of information create that impression. One focused, well-developed paragraph is usually enough.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 1, Question (b): Explaining Effects
Question (b) is worth 8 marks: 4 marks for each effect. Spend about 10–12 minutes on it.
You must identify and explain two different effects of the event or development named in the question.
How to answer
Write one paragraph for each effect
Begin clearly:
“One effect of [event] was…”“A second effect was…”
Add precise historical knowledge
Support each effect with relevant facts, such as names, dates, events or statistics. Specific evidence is more effective than general statements.
Explain the chain of consequences
Show how the event produced the effect and why it mattered. Use phrases such as:
“This meant that…”“As a result…”“This led to…”
Keep asking “So what happened because of this?” until you reach the final historical outcome.
Simple paragraph structure
One effect of [event] was [effect]. This happened because [explain the connection]. For example, [specific historical evidence]. This meant that [develop the consequence and explain its significance].
Repeat this structure for the second effect.
Remember
Explain exactly two distinct effects.
Stay focused on the place, group or issue named in the question.
Do not simply describe what happened or explain the event’s causes.
A chain of consequences may be used to develop one effect, but you still need a separate second effect.
You do not need an introduction or conclusion.
For full marks, both effects must be accurately supported and clearly explained. Simply identifying two effects is not enough.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 1, Question (c): Making a Judgement
Question (c) is worth 16 marks. Spend about 25–30 minutes on it.
Choose either (c)(i) or (c)(ii). You must analyse the statement, consider alternatives and reach a supported judgement.
1. Plan three aspects
The question provides two stimulus points that you may use. You must also include relevant information from your own knowledge.
The safest structure is:
the factor named in the statement;
one alternative factor;
a second alternative factor from your own knowledge.
You need three aspects to access the top level. An otherwise Level 3 answer covering only two aspects is limited to 10 marks.
2. Give a direct judgement
Briefly state how far you agree and identify the factor you consider most important:
“I agree to a large extent because…, although… also contributed.”
3. Explain and evaluate each factor
Use one developed paragraph for each aspect:
Identify the factor.
Support it with precise historical knowledge.
Explain how it affected the outcome.
Evaluate its importance by comparing it with the other factors.
Do not simply describe what happened.
4. Use clear criteria
Explain why one factor mattered more. Suitable criteria include:
Directness: Did it directly produce the outcome?
Scale: How widely did it affect events or people?
Duration: Was its impact long-lasting?
Necessity: Could the outcome have happened without it?
Timing: Did it act as the immediate trigger?
5. Reach a justified conclusion
Give a clear final answer and compare the factors directly:
“Overall, X was the most important factor because…, whereas Y and Z were less significant because…”
Simple paragraph structure
One important factor was [factor]. For example, [precise evidence]. This contributed to [outcome]because [analysis]. However, it was more/less important than [comparison] because [criterion-based judgement].
For 13–16 marks, the answer needs accurate and wide-ranging knowledge, a sustained argument, three aspects and a judgement based on clearly applied criteria.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 2, Section A, Question (a): Describing Features
Question (a) is worth 6 marks. Spend about 6–8 minutes on it.
You must use your own knowledge to describe two features of one of the two topics offered. No sources are required.
1. Choose one topic
Select the topic you know best. Answer only that option and describe exactly two features.
2. Write two separate paragraphs
Begin clearly:
“One feature of [topic] was…”“A second feature was…”
Make sure the features are distinct rather than two versions of the same point.
3. Develop each feature
Do not simply name it. Add precise information explaining what it involved or how it operated, using relevant names, dates, examples or statistics.
Simple paragraph structure
One feature of [topic] was [identify feature]. This involved [specific supporting detail]. For example, [precise historical evidence], showing that [develop the feature in its historical context].
Repeat for the second feature.
Remember
Use own knowledge only—not the sources.
Describe two features of only one topic.
Do not write a long narrative.
You do not need to judge which feature was more important.
Focus on explaining what each feature involved; you do not have to discuss its wider significance unless this helps develop the description.
An answer covering only one feature is limited to 3 marks.
For 5–6 marks, both features should be clearly explained using accurate details that demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the period.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 2, Section A, Question (c): Evaluating an Interpretation
Question (c) is worth 16 marks. Spend about 25–30 minutes on it.
You must decide how far you agree with the interpretation in Extract C, using:
Extract C;
Sources A and B; and
your own contextual knowledge.
1. Identify the interpretation
Turn the interpretation into a clear question:
“Is Extract C correct that…?”
Identify exactly what you must test. Define important words such as “successful,” “disaster” or “seriously damaged”so you have a clear basis for judging the claim.
2. Plan both sides
Find evidence that:
supports the interpretation; and
challenges or qualifies it.
Use relevant material from all three provided materials. A source may support the interpretation in one respect but challenge it in another.
3. Build an argument
A clear structure is:
Brief introduction: State how far you agree.
Supporting argument: Use the extract, sources and knowledge to explain why the interpretation is convincing.
Counter-argument: Use the extract, sources and knowledge to explain its limitations or what it overlooks.
Conclusion: Reach a final, justified judgement.
Simple paragraph structure
Extract C suggests [claim], as shown by “[short quotation]”. This is supported/challenged by Source A/B, which states [evidence]. This comparison suggests [explanation]. Furthermore, from my own knowledge, [specific contextual evidence]. Therefore, the interpretation is convincing/unconvincing to the extent that [mini-judgement].
Remember
Use short quotations or accurate paraphrases.
Explain how each piece of evidence supports or challenges the interpretation.
Cross-reference the materials instead of discussing A, B and C in isolation.
Use own knowledge to test the interpretation, not merely to add background information.
Consider both sides before reaching a judgement.
Do not conduct a general reliability or provenance assessment—the focus is on what the materials reveal about the interpretation.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 2, Section B, Question (a): Comparison
Question (a) is worth 6 marks. Spend about 6–8 minutes on it.
You must explain two ways in which the specified developments or periods were similar or different.
1. Follow the question precisely
If the question asks for similarities, give two similarities. If it asks for differences, give two differences.
An answer explaining only one way is limited to 3 marks.
2. Make direct comparisons
Do not describe the two periods separately. Connect them using words such as:
both, similarly, whereas, however, unlike or in contrast
Make the exact similarity or difference clear.
3. Support both sides with evidence
For each comparison, include specific knowledge about both periods or developments. Use relevant names, dates, events or examples.
Simple paragraph structure
One way in which [Period A] was different from [Period B] was [point of comparison]. In Period A, [specific evidence]. However, in Period B, [specific evidence]. Therefore, [explain the precise difference].
For a similarity:
One similarity was [point of comparison]. In Period A, [evidence]. Similarly, in Period B, [evidence]. Therefore, both [explain what remained similar].
Repeat with a clearly different comparison.
Remember
Write two separate comparative paragraphs.
Include evidence from both periods in each paragraph.
Check that your evidence matches the dates in the question.
Do not write an introduction or conclusion.
Avoid simply telling the story of each period.
For 5–6 marks, both ways must be explicitly compared and supported with specific
information about both periods.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 2, Section B, Question (b): Explaining Causes
Question (b) is worth 8 marks. Spend about 10–12 minutes on it.
You must identify and explain two causes of the event or development named in the question.
1. Write two separate paragraphs
Begin clearly:
“One cause of [outcome] was…”“A second cause was…”
Choose two distinct causes. An answer explaining only one cause is limited to 4 marks.
2. Add precise historical evidence
Support each cause with relevant names, dates, events, examples or statistics. Avoid vague statements.
3. Explain the causal link
Show exactly how the cause helped produce the outcome. Do not stop after describing the cause.
Use phrases such as:
“This led to…”“As a result…”“This meant that…”“Consequently…”
Simple paragraph structure
One cause of [outcome] was [cause]. For example, [specific historical evidence]. This led to [development] because [explain the connection]. Consequently, [link directly to the outcome in the question].
Repeat for the second cause.
Remember
Explain exactly two causes.
Support both with accurate, relevant knowledge.
Keep linking back to the precise outcome in the question.
Do not simply narrate what happened.
The two causes do not need to be linked to each other.
You do not need an introduction, conclusion or judgement about which cause was more important.
For 6–8 marks, both causes must be supported with accurate knowledge and developed into clear causal chains showing how they produced the stated outcome.
Edexcel IGCSE History Paper 2, Section B, Question (c): Making a Judgement
Question (c) is worth 16 marks. Spend about 25–30 minutes on it.
Choose either (c)(i) or (c)(ii). You must analyse the issue across the period and reach a supported judgement about change, causation or significance.
1. Plan three aspects
The question provides two stimulus points that you may use. You must also use information from your own knowledge.
The safest approach is to discuss:
the two stimulus points; and
one additional relevant aspect from your own knowledge.
An otherwise Level 3 answer covering only two aspects is limited to 10 marks, and cannot reach Level 4.
2. Give a direct judgement
Briefly state your overall answer and identify the three aspects you will examine:
“Overall, X produced the greatest change because…, although Y and Z were also important.”
3. Develop three analytical paragraphs
For each aspect:
Identify the relevant factor or development.
Support it with precise historical knowledge.
Explain how it relates to the question.
Evaluate it against the other aspects.
Simple paragraph structure
One important aspect was [factor/development]. For example, [precise evidence]. This caused/changed [outcome] because [analysis]. However, it was more/less significant than [comparison] because [criterion-based evaluation].
4. Match your criteria to the question
Use clear standards to support your judgement:
Change: scale, pace, duration and how far earlier features continued.
Causation: directness, necessity and whether it was an underlying cause or immediate trigger.
Significance: scale, duration and whether it produced further important consequences.
5. Reach a justified conclusion
Compare the three aspects directly and explain why one outweighs the others:
“Overall, X was the most significant because its effects were wider and more lasting. Y caused an immediate change, but its impact was more limited because…”
Remember
Stay within the dates in the question.
Analyse both sides: change and continuity, significance and limitations, or the stated cause and alternative causes.
Do not simply narrate events.
Keep your judgement visible throughout the essay.
Use an additional aspect from your own knowledge.
You do not have to use both stimulus points, but doing so alongside a third aspect is usually the safest structure.
For 13–16 marks, the essay needs three aspects, precisely selected knowledge, sustained analysis and a coherent judgement based on clearly applied criteria.
