Methodology

This list is based on analysis of Cambridge International A-Level History 9389 past papers (2019–2024), examiner reports, mark schemes and syllabus. Topics vary by option; this list reflects commonly assessed themes and skills.

Top 10 most frequently tested topics / skills

1. Source evaluation and analysis

Evidence: Every paper includes source questions. Examiner reports note provenance, reliability and cross-referencing.

Covers: provenance; purpose; reliability; cross-referencing; using sources as evidence.

2. Cause and consequence

Evidence: “Why” questions appear in every paper. Examiner reports note describe vs explain.

Covers: identifying causes; short- and long-term; linking causes to outcomes; significance.

3. Change and continuity

Evidence: Evaluating extent of change. Examiner reports note “how far” questions require both sides.

Covers: assessing change; continuity; evidence-based evaluation; judgement.

4. European option (e.g. Germany, Russia)

Evidence: Common depth study. Weimar, Nazi Germany; Soviet Russia.

Covers: Weimar Republic; rise of Hitler; Nazi state; Soviet Union; Stalin.

5. International history (e.g. Cold War)

Evidence: Superpower relations; common in Period Study.

Covers: origins of Cold War; Berlin; Cuba; détente; end of Cold War.

6. American history (e.g. USA 1840–1941)

Evidence: Popular option. Expansion; Civil War; Roaring Twenties; Depression.

Covers: expansion; Civil War; Reconstruction; Great Depression; New Deal.

7. Asian history (e.g. China, Japan)

Evidence: Modernisation; imperialism; revolution.

Covers: modernisation; imperialism; revolution; nationalism.

8. Significance and importance

Evidence: Evaluating importance of factors. Levels-based marking.

Covers: weighing factors; supported judgement; conclusion.

9. Essay structure and argument

Evidence: Examiner reports emphasise coherent argument. Introduction; development; conclusion.

Covers: clear argument; paragraph structure; evidence; judgement.

10. Chronology and context

Evidence: Examiner reports note date errors and context. Correct periodisation matters.

Covers: chronology; context; linking events to broader developments.

Revision priority

Master source evaluation and cause and consequence. For “how far”, present both sides and reach a judgement. See Cambridge A-Level common mistakes overview.

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Sources: Cambridge past papers 2019–2024, examiner reports. Topics depend on options chosen.