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Before you can succeed in any exam, you need to understand exactly what you are facing. This lesson breaks down the AQA GCSE History exam papers, the types of questions you will encounter, the mark allocations, and the time you should spend on each section. Knowing the exam structure is the foundation of effective exam technique.
AQA GCSE History consists of two exam papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment — your entire grade is determined by your performance in these two exams.
| Paper | Title | Duration | Marks | Percentage of GCSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Understanding the Modern World | 2 hours | 84 marks | 50% |
| Paper 2 | Shaping the Nation | 2 hours | 84 marks | 50% |
Each paper is divided into two sections, and you must answer questions on the topics you have studied.
Paper 1 covers a Period Study and a Wider World Depth Study.
| Section | Content | Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: Period Study | e.g., America 1920–1973, Germany 1890–1945, Russia 1894–1945 | Short factual recall, explanation, analytical narrative |
| Section B: Wider World Depth Study | e.g., Conflict and Tension 1918–1939, Cold War 1941–1991 | Source analysis, "How far do you agree?" essay, explanation |
| Question | Type | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | "How do you know?" / Source inference | 4 marks | 5 minutes |
| 02 | Explain significance / causes / consequences | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 03 | Write an analytical narrative | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 04 | "How useful are Sources A and B?" | 12 marks | 15 minutes |
| 05 | "Write an account of..." | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 06 | "How far do you agree?" essay (with two interpretations) | 16 marks + 4 SPaG | 25 minutes |
Exam Tip: Always check the number of marks available for each question. This tells you how much time and detail is required. A 4-mark question needs a short, focused answer. A 16-mark question needs a structured essay with multiple developed points and a conclusion.
Paper 2 covers a Thematic Study (with a linked historical environment) and a British Depth Study.
| Section | Content | Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: Thematic Study | e.g., Britain: Health and the People, Power and the People, Migration | Source utility, explain significance, comparison |
| Section A (cont.): Historic Environment | A specific site or event linked to the thematic study | "How useful?" source question, explain significance of a specific site |
| Section B: British Depth Study | e.g., Elizabethan England, Norman England, Restoration England | Describe, explain, "How far do you agree?" essay |
| Question | Type | Marks | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | "How useful is Source A?" (Historic Environment) | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 02 | Explain the significance of... | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 03 | Explain similarity/difference | 8 marks | 10 minutes |
| 04 | "How far does the interpretation convince you?" | 16 marks + 4 SPaG | 25 minutes |
| 05 | Describe two features of... | 4 marks | 5 minutes |
| 06 | Explain why... | 12 marks | 15 minutes |
| 07 | "How far do you agree?" essay | 16 marks + 4 SPaG | 25 minutes |
AQA uses level-based mark schemes for most questions worth 8 marks or more. Understanding the levels is crucial for achieving top marks.
| Level | Description | Marks (for a 16-mark question) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Simple, limited statements with little or no evidence | 1–4 marks |
| Level 2 | Some relevant knowledge, but limited explanation or analysis | 5–8 marks |
| Level 3 | Good knowledge and understanding, with developed explanation | 9–12 marks |
| Level 4 | Excellent knowledge, sustained analysis, supported judgement | 13–16 marks |
Exam Tip: To reach Level 4, you must do more than describe — you must analyse, evaluate, and reach a judgement. Your answer should consider multiple factors, weigh them against each other, and come to a clear, supported conclusion.
Some questions carry 4 additional marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and the use of specialist terminology. These marks are available on the longest essay question in each section.
| SPaG Level | Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | Reasonable accuracy; some use of specialist terms | 1 mark |
| Intermediate | Considerable accuracy; good use of specialist terms | 2–3 marks |
| High | Consistent accuracy throughout; confident use of specialist terms | 4 marks |