GCSE History: how to nail source-based questions

Source-based questions reward a small number of repeatable moves done well. Most students treat them as comprehension; examiners want analysis.

The CRAAP framework (adapted for history)

Currency, Reliability, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose — five lenses to apply to any source. Not all five appear in every question, but the habit of running through them quickly prevents weak answers.

Utility questions

When asked how useful a source is, address both content (what it shows) and provenance (who, when, why). The strongest answers explain that a source can be useful in some ways and less useful in others — and reference the historical context.

Compare-two-sources questions

Examiners want similarities and differences in argument, not just description. A clear structure: 'Source A says X; Source B says Y; the key difference is Z; this difference exists because of [historical context].'

Practice paper rhythm

Past papers, marked against the mark scheme, are the single most effective revision tool. Aim for one full source paper a fortnight from October of Year 11.