Answering the Compare question: making developed comparisons between two sources, matching specific points so each comparison links a detail in one source to a detail in the other and states whether they agree or disagree.

What this dot point is asking

The Compare question is a source-handling question in SQA National 5 History that gives you two sources and asks you to compare their views on a named issue. The skill it tests is comparison: identifying where the two sources agree and where they disagree, point by point. It is usually a lower-tariff question than the usefulness or "How fully" questions, but it has a precise method, and candidates lose marks mainly by describing the two sources separately instead of matching them against each other.

This dot point is worth securing because the method is mechanical once learned. SQA credits developed comparisons, where you reference a detail in one source, reference the matching detail in the other, and state whether they agree or disagree. A candidate who matches points rather than summarising sources can score reliably here.

The answer

The Compare question rewards developed comparisons between the two sources. A developed comparison does three things: it refers to or quotes a specific point in the first source, it refers to or quotes the matching point in the second, and it states clearly whether the two agree or disagree on that point. SQA marks each developed comparison, so a 4 mark question needs about four matched points, or fewer matched points plus an overall comparison. The single biggest gain is matching: pairing equivalent points across the two sources rather than describing each in turn.

Match points, do not describe separately

The error that caps Compare answers is treating the two sources as two mini-summaries: "Source A says... Source B says..." with no link. The marker wants the link. Each comparison should pair a point in one source with the equivalent point in the other and judge agreement. Read both sources first and note where they touch the same idea; those touch-points are your comparisons.

Make each comparison developed

A bare statement of agreement is not enough. "Both sources agree" without detail scores little; the comparison must show what each source says. Use a shape such as "Source A argues X, and Source B agrees because it also says Y" for agreement, or "Source A claims X, but Source B disagrees, arguing instead that Z" for disagreement. Referencing both sides is what makes the comparison developed and earns the mark.

Consider an overall comparison

As well as point-by-point comparisons, you can make an overall comparison: a single statement of whether the two sources broadly agree or disagree, supported by the detail you have given. An overall comparison can earn a mark and rounds off the answer, but it must be supported, not a bare verdict. Use it alongside, not instead of, your matched points.

Examples in context

Suppose Sources A and B both discuss the causes of a protest, and the question asks you to compare their views. A weak answer summarises each in turn: "Source A talks about high prices and anger. Source B talks about leadership and organisation." Two summaries, no matching, so the answer scores poorly.

A full-mark answer matches the points: "Source A argues the protest was driven by economic hardship, and Source B agrees, pointing to the same rising prices as a cause"; "Source A suggests the protest was spontaneous, but Source B disagrees, arguing it was carefully organised by leaders"; "Source A stresses the role of ordinary people, while Source B emphasises a small group of organisers, so they differ on who drove events"; "overall the sources agree that there was real grievance, but disagree on how the protest came about". Three matched comparisons plus a supported overall, four marks.

Try this

Q1. What three things must a developed comparison include? [2 marks]

• What the marker wants. A reference to a point in the first source, a reference to the matching point in the second source, and a clear statement of whether they agree or disagree on that point.

Q2. Why does writing "Source A says... Source B says..." in separate sentences score poorly? [2 marks]

• What the marker wants. Because it describes the sources separately without matching their points; the question tests comparison, so each point must link a detail in one source to the equivalent detail in the other.

Q3. What is an overall comparison, and how should it be written? [1 mark]

• What the marker wants. A single supported statement of whether the two sources broadly agree or disagree, backed by the matched points already made, rather than a bare verdict.

A note on sources

This guide is AI-written and not individually human-reviewed. Question wording and mark allocations follow the published SQA National 5 History format; verify current paper structure and question types against the SQA National 5 History course specification and marking instructions at sqa.org.uk.