How do you answer the describe and explain questions that carry the AO1 and AO2 marks?
How to answer the WJEC describe questions (AO1, identify and develop features with precise support) and the explain questions (AO1 and AO2, developed analysis of causes or consequences linked to the outcome), and how to bring in the Welsh dimension where the question demands it.
A focused guide to answering the describe and explain questions in WJEC GCSE History (AO1 and AO2), covering developed features, causal analysis linked to the outcome, and bringing in the Welsh dimension where required.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
Have a quick question? Jump to the Q&A page
Jump to a section
What this dot point is asking
This dot point is exam technique for the describe and explain questions, which carry the AO1 (knowledge) and AO2 (cause and analysis) marks in WJEC GCSE History. You need to know how to write a developed feature for a describe question, how to build a causal analysis for an explain question (reasons linked to the outcome), and how to bring in the Welsh dimension where the question demands it.
The describe question
The explain question: reasons linked to the outcome
Bringing in the Welsh dimension
Matching the answer to the tariff
Try this
Q1. What does a describe question reward, and how long should it be? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. Two distinct, developed features, each with one precise supporting detail, kept short, with no analysis or judgement needed.
Q2. Explain the single biggest skill in an "explain why" answer. [Short explanation]
- Cue. Linking each supported cause explicitly to the outcome, so the answer analyses why the change happened rather than just listing causes, and ideally judging which factor mattered most.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
WJEC Wales (technique)4 marksDescribe two features of the topic studied.Show worked answer →
The describe question (AO1). Reward two distinct, developed features, each with one supporting detail.
Feature one. Identify a clear feature and develop it with one precise supporting detail (a name, date or figure).
Feature two. Identify a second distinct feature and develop it the same way.
Top marks. Two distinct features, each developed with precise support, kept short, with no need for analysis or judgement.
WJEC Wales (technique)8 marksExplain why the change or event happened.Show worked answer →
The explain question (AO1 and AO2). Reward a developed analysis of two or three reasons, each with precise support and linked to the outcome.
Reason one. State a cause and develop it with accurate knowledge, then link it explicitly to why the change or event happened.
Reason two. Do the same for a second cause, showing how it contributed.
Reason three (optional). Add a third cause if it strengthens the answer.
Top band. Each reason is supported and linked to the outcome, and the answer finishes with a judgement on which factor mattered most.
Related dot points
- The four-unit structure of WJEC GCSE History for Wales (two depth studies, a thematic study and the Working as an Historian NEA), their weightings and timings, and the four assessment objectives AO1 to AO4, including the compulsory Welsh dimension and where the SPaG marks fall.
A clear guide to the structure of WJEC GCSE History for Wales (specification 3100), covering the four units and their weightings, the four assessment objectives, the compulsory Welsh dimension and where the SPaG marks fall.
- How to answer the WJEC source questions (AO3): the comprehension question, the 'how useful is the source' utility question and the 'how far does a source support a view' question, using content and provenance (nature, origin and purpose) plus own knowledge to reach a judgement, without simply calling a source biased.
A focused guide to answering the source questions in WJEC GCSE History, covering comprehension, the 'how useful' utility question and 'how far does a source support a view', using content, provenance and own knowledge to reach a judgement.
- How to answer the WJEC interpretation questions (AO4): explaining why two interpretations of the past differ (evidence, emphasis, purpose and viewpoint), and judging which interpretation is more convincing or how far you agree, using own knowledge to argue both sides and reach a supported judgement.
A focused guide to answering the interpretation questions in WJEC GCSE History (AO4), covering why interpretations differ and judging which is more convincing, using own knowledge to argue both sides and reach a supported judgement.
- How to answer the WJEC thematic-study questions (AO2): analysing change and continuity across a long period, judging the significance of developments and turning points, and writing the extended essay with a balanced argument, a supported judgement and the Welsh perspective, on which the SPaG marks fall.
A focused guide to the thematic-study skills in WJEC GCSE History (AO2), covering change and continuity across a long period, judging significance, and writing the extended essay with a balanced argument, a supported judgement and the Welsh perspective.
- How to complete the WJEC Unit 4 Working as an Historian non-examined assessment: the source-based narrative task (using and evaluating a range of sources to build a supported account) and the interpretations task (analysing and evaluating why historians differ), under controlled conditions and worth 20 percent.
A focused guide to the WJEC Unit 4 Working as an Historian non-examined assessment, covering the source-based narrative task and the interpretations task, how each is built and evaluated, and how the NEA is assessed under controlled conditions.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC GCSE History (Wales) specification (3100) — WJEC (2017)