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Northern IrelandHistory

Historical Skills

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you write a synoptic change-over-time essay that weighs change against continuity across a long period for CCEA A2 1?

Analysing change over time: structuring a synoptic essay thematically, tracking each strand across the whole period, weighing change against continuity, identifying turning points and pace, and reaching a substantiated judgement for the CCEA A2 1 question.
How to write the CCEA A2 1 synoptic change-over-time essay. Covers thematic structure, tracking strands across a whole period, weighing change against continuity, identifying turning points and pace, and reaching a substantiated judgement on the extent of change.
13 min answer →

How do you analyse and evaluate competing historical interpretations in the CCEA A2 question?

Analysing interpretations: identifying the argument of an extract, explaining why historians differ, and evaluating interpretations using your own knowledge for the CCEA A2 question.
How to analyse and evaluate historians' interpretations for CCEA A-Level History. Covers identifying the argument of an extract, explaining why historians differ, and evaluating interpretations against your own knowledge in the CCEA interpretations question.
13 min answer →

How do you evaluate primary sources for value and reliability in the CCEA AS 2 source question?

Evaluating historical sources: assessing provenance, content and tone, judging value and reliability against your own knowledge, and structuring a balanced source evaluation for CCEA.
How to evaluate primary sources for CCEA A-Level History. Covers provenance, content and tone, judging value and reliability against your own contextual knowledge, and a reliable structure for a balanced source evaluation in the CCEA source-based question.
13 min answer →

How do you structure a CCEA A-Level History essay to build a sustained, analytical argument?

Structuring the essay: writing a clear thesis, building analytical paragraphs with evidence, sustaining an argument, and reaching a substantiated judgement in CCEA essays.
How to structure a CCEA A-Level History essay. Covers writing a clear thesis, building analytical paragraphs with precise evidence, sustaining a balanced argument, and reaching a substantiated judgement that answers the question set.
13 min answer →