See how it works
Watch a tutor work through a question.
Say what you're studying, choose a tutor, then work through your homework step by step, take a quick quiz or call your tutor. This one is IGCSE Maths, and every subject works the same way.
Assessment
How Cambridge IGCSE History is assessed
There are no tiers. Everyone takes Paper 1 and Paper 2, plus either Component 3 (coursework) or Paper 4, and can get grades A*–G. You study the Core content of Option A or Option B, and at least one depth study.
Syllabus 0470, for exams in 2027–2028. The 2029–2030 syllabus has no significant changes.
Everyone
Paper 1: Structured Questions
Three structured essays, each in three parts: two on the Core content and one on a depth study
- Time
- 2 h
- Marks
- 60
- Weight
- 40%
Paper 2: Document Questions
One five-part question on sources about the prescribed topic, which changes each exam series
- Time
- 1 h 45 min
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 30%
Then one of
Component 3: Coursework
One piece of writing of up to 2000 words on a depth study, marked by your school and moderated by Cambridge
- Time
- Coursework
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 30%
Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework
One two-part structured essay on a depth study
- Time
- 1 h
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 30%
Your school chooses Component 3 (coursework) or Paper 4 (a written alternative). Either is worth 30%.
From the official Cambridge International syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus
Syllabus content
What’s on the Cambridge IGCSE History syllabus
Option A: the nineteenth century, 1848–1914
- Were the revolutions of 1848 important?
- How was Italy unified?
- How was Germany unified?
- Why was there a civil war in the United States and what were its results?
- Why, and with what effects, did nations gain and expand their overseas empires in the nineteenth century?
- What caused the First World War?
Option B: the twentieth century, international relations since 1919
- Was the Treaty of Versailles fair?
- To what extent was the League of Nations a success?
- How far was Hitler’s foreign policy to blame for the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939?
- Who was to blame for the Cold War?
- How effectively did the United States contain the spread of communism?
- How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948–c.1989?
Depth studies
- The First World War, 1914–18
- Germany, 1918–45
- Russia, 1905–41
- The United States, 1919–41
- The Second World War in Europe and the Asia–Pacific, 1939–c.1945
Where marks are lost
Common Cambridge IGCSE History mistakes
Telling the story when the question asks why.
For “explain why”, start each paragraph with a reason, then show how it caused the outcome. A narrative of events scores low.
No judgement in “how far” questions.
Argue for and against the statement, then end with a clear judgement and the reason it outweighs the other side.
Calling a source biased and stopping there.
In Paper 2, use what the source says, your own knowledge and who made it and why, to say how far it can be trusted or what it shows.
Six humanities tutors, six ways to learn
Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.
- IsaacConcept explainer
- FarahStep by step
- EzraExam coach
- ClaraQuick revision
- DevChallenger
- RosaConfidence builder
Recorded your History lesson?
Upload the recording and get notes, a quiz and flashcards made from what your teacher said, ready to revise for Cambridge IGCSE History.
FAQ
Cambridge IGCSE History questions, answered.
Bring your History questions.
Pick your subject and tutor, make a free account and ask your first question in about a minute.
Meet your tutor