IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Cambridge History 0977 (9–1)

Cambridge IGCSE History (0977) uses the 9–1 grading system and tests knowledge, source analysis, and essay writing. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Paper 1 – Source-based (comprehension, reliability, utility, comparison). Paper 2 – Depth study essay (e.g. one period/topic). Paper 4 – Alternative to coursework (broad period/thematic). Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026.
• Source questions require use of the source (quote or paraphrase) and own knowledge where relevant. Reliability and utility demand evaluation of the source (nature, origin, purpose, context), not just content.
• Essay questions require argument, evidence (factual knowledge, sometimes sources), and structure (introduction, paragraphs, conclusion).

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Source comprehension: What does the source say? (literal and inferred meaning). Support answers with reference to the source.
• Source reliability: How far do you trust the source? Consider nature (e.g. diary, speech), origin (who, when), purpose (why produced), and content. Own knowledge to support or challenge the source.
• Source utility: How useful is the source for…? Consider what it shows and limitations (bias, scope, purpose). Balance is rewarded.
• Essay: Causes, consequences, significance, change and continuity. Plan; use specific evidence (dates, events, people); explain links between evidence and argument; conclude.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight recurring issues: describing sources instead of evaluating them; generic reliability/utility without specific points about the source; narrative essays without argument or analysis.
• No reported shift in difficulty; evaluation of sources and argument in essays are the main differentiators.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and command words match past series. Past papers are a good guide to source question style and essay types.
• Topics are predictable from the syllabus; sources and exact questions vary. Skills (comprehension, reliability, utility, essay) are consistent.
• Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (use of source, evaluation criteria, essay argument and evidence) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Source answers must refer to the source (quote or close paraphrase). Reliability/utility must use nature, origin, purpose (and content) explicitly, not vague “bias”.
• Own knowledge should support evaluation (e.g. “the source is limited because … which I know from …”). Balance (e.g. why a source is useful and why it is not) is rewarded.
• Essay: Relevance to the question; clear argument; paragraphs with topic sentence and evidence; conclusion that answers the question.
• Marking follows the published criteria; no indication of marking becoming stricter.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Source evaluation – analysis of nature, origin, purpose; judgement on reliability/utility; use of own knowledge.
• Essay – argument (thesis); evidence (specific facts); analysis (why evidence supports the argument); structure.
• Command words – “explain”, “how far”, “how useful”, “assess”; match answer to the verb.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Source reliability and utility – practise NOP (nature, origin, purpose); link to question; use own knowledge to support judgement.
2. Essay planning – identify the key term in the question; plan argument and paragraphs; select specific evidence.
3. Use of source – quote or paraphrase in every source answer; don’t generalise without reference.
4. Balance – for “how far” or “how useful”, give both sides and then conclude.
5. Relevance – keep every paragraph focused on the question set.

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Based on current syllabus and examiner reports. Always use the latest Cambridge 0977 syllabus for your series.