AQA History Study Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding the AQA History Exam
  2. Key Exam Skills (Source Analysis & Essay Writing)
  3. How to Answer Different Question Types
  4. Effective Revision Techniques
  5. Memorization Strategies for Key Dates & Events
  6. Recommended Resources (Books, Websites & Videos)
  7. Sample Study Timetable

1. Understanding the AQA History Exam

The AQA History GCSE & A-Level exams assess:

  • Knowledge & Understanding – Key facts, dates, people, and events.
  • Analysis & Evaluation – Explaining causes, consequences, and significance.
  • Source & Interpretation Skills – Evaluating reliability, utility, and historical perspectives.

AQA GCSE History Exam Structure

Paper 1 (Understanding the Modern World)

  • Section A: Period Study (e.g., Germany 1890–1945, America 1920–1973)
  • Section B: Wider World Depth Study (e.g., Conflict & Tension 1918–1939)

Paper 2 (Shaping the Nation)

  • Section A: Thematic Study (e.g., Health & the People, Power & the People)
  • Section B: British Depth Study (e.g., Elizabethan England 1568–1603)

AQA A-Level History Exam Structure

Paper 1: Breadth Study (40%)

  • Covers long-term developments over a broad period.
  • Example: The Tudors, The Cold War, Industrialization.

Paper 2: Depth Study (40%)

  • Focuses on specific historical events in detail.
  • Example: Russia 1917–1953, The American Dream, South Africa Apartheid.

Coursework (NEA - 20%)

  • A 3,500–4,500 word essay on a historical debate.

2. Key Exam Skills (Source Analysis & Essay Writing)

Source Analysis Skills

AQA requires you to evaluate sources in terms of:

  1. Provenance (Who wrote it? When? Why?)
  2. Content (What does it say?)
  3. Context (What was happening at the time?)
  4. Reliability & Bias (Is it trustworthy?)

Example Source-Based Answer (GCSE Conflict & Tension 1918–1939)

Question: How useful is Source A for understanding the impact of the Treaty of Versailles?

✅ Step 1: Provenance – Who created it and why?
✅ Step 2: Content – What does it say, and how does it relate to the question?
✅ Step 3: Context – What do we know about the Treaty of Versailles?
✅ Step 4: Reliability & Bias – Is the source biased? Why or why not?

3. How to Answer Different Question Types

Short-Answer Questions (GCSE Paper 1 & 2)

  • "Describe two features of..." (4 marks)
    • Keep answers clear & concise.
    • Example: Describe two features of the Nazi police state.

✅ Feature 1: The Gestapo, Hitler’s secret police, arrested political opponents.
✅ Feature 2: The SS enforced Nazi policies through terror.

Explain Questions (8 Marks – GCSE & A-Level)

  • "Explain why…"
    • Use PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
    • Example: Explain why the League of Nations failed in the 1930s.

✅ P1: The League lacked military power (Evidence: Manchuria 1931).
✅ P2: Major countries like the USA weren’t involved.
✅ P3: The Great Depression weakened international cooperation.

Essay Questions (16–25 Marks – A-Level & GCSE)

  • "To what extent…"
  • "How far do you agree with this statement?"
  • "Assess the significance of…"

How to Structure Your Essay (AQA 16+ Mark Questions)

  1. Introduction – Introduce argument & briefly outline main points.
  2. Main Body Paragraphs (Use PEEL or PEECL structure)
    • Point – One clear argument per paragraph.
    • Evidence – Use specific examples.
    • Explanation – Explain why it supports your argument.
    • Counter-Argument (Optional for A-Level) – Acknowledge an opposing view.
    • Link – Connect to the question.
  3. Conclusion – Summarize & give final judgment.

Example A-Level Question:
"To what extent was Stalin’s rise to power due to political skill?"
✅ Introduction: Define key terms & give initial judgment.
✅ P1: Stalin’s use of propaganda strengthened his position.
✅ P2: Weaknesses of his rivals (Trotsky’s mistakes).
✅ P3: Economic policies gained public support.
✅ Conclusion: Political skill was key, but other factors also played a role.

4. Effective Revision Techniques

  • Use mind maps & flashcards (Quizlet & Anki).
  • Timelines for key events (color-code by theme).
  • Spaced repetition & past paper practice.
  • Group discussions – Debate key historical arguments.

5. Memorization Strategies for Key Dates & Events

Mnemonics for Key Events

  • MAIN Causes of WWI: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism.
  • Henry VIII’s Wives: Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.

6. Recommended Resources (Books, Websites & Videos)

Best AQA History Textbooks

  • AQA GCSE History (Hodder Education)
  • AQA A-Level History (Oxford University Press)

Best History Websites & Resources

  • BBC Bitesize – GCSE topic summaries.
  • HistoryExtra – Articles from BBC History Magazine.
  • YouTube Channels:
    • Mr Allsop History (GCSE & A-Level)
    • Oversimplified (Animated history videos)

7. Sample AQA History Study Timetable

Week Focus Area Tasks Week 1 Overview & Key Themes Read AQA textbook, make summary notes.

Week 2 Chronology & Timelines Create event timelines, memorize key dates.

Week 3 Exam Technique Practice past paper questions (8–16 mark answers).

Week 4 Source Analysis Evaluate primary/secondary sources, compare interpretations.

Week 5 Thematic Revision Use flashcards for key events & figures.

Week 6 Mock Exams & Essay Practice Timed practice with full essays.

Final Tips for Acing AQA History

✅ Answer the question directly – Stay focused on the exam wording.
✅ Use historical interpretations – A-Level students should reference historians.
✅ Plan answers before writing – Structure essays logically.
✅ Time yourself – Practice under exam conditions.
✅ Stay organized – Keep notes structured & use revision checklists.