Edexcel IGCSE History 4HI1: Frequent mistakes

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History shares many common error patterns with Cambridge and other boards. Principal Examiner Feedback emphasises question focus, source use, structure and evaluation.

Question reading and focus

Not reading carefully

Producing unfocused or irrelevant responses. Answering a different question or including material that doesn’t address the focus.

Fix: Underline key words. “Why” = reasons. “How far” = evaluation. Check date ranges.

”Why” questions → description

When asked why, candidates describe what happened instead of explaining reasons and causes.

Fix: Why = causes, reasons. “This happened because…”, “The reason was…”

Ignoring date specifications

Writing about the wrong time period. Questions specify dates—answers must stay within them.

Fix: Note the date range. Stay within it.

Answer structure

Part (a) too long

Part (a) answers often excessively long. This leaves insufficient time for parts (b) and (c), which usually carry more marks.

Fix: Keep (a) concise. Save time for (b) and (c).

Narrative instead of analysis

Writing lengthy narrative instead of explanation, analysis and evaluation. Description alone scores low.

Fix: Explain causes. Analyse significance. Evaluate. Don’t just tell the story.

Evaluation and sources

Descriptive instead of evaluative

“How far” and “To what extent” questions require evaluation. Weaker responses are highly descriptive.

Fix: Present both sides. Weigh up. Conclude with a judgement.

One-sided arguments

Failing to give balanced arguments. Presenting only one side before a conclusion.

Fix: “On one hand…”, “On the other hand…”, “However…”, “On balance…”

Not using sources

When sources are provided, failing to use them. Or using them without attribution or analysis.

Fix: Quote or refer to sources. “Source A suggests…”, “According to Source B…”

Source reliability

Not considering reliability when asked. Origin, purpose, context matter.

Fix: Who wrote it? When? Why? How does this affect reliability?

Content

Confusing related content

Mixing up different events, treaties or figures. Similar-sounding items confused.

Fix: Learn key details. Distinguish similar events. Correct names and dates.

Inaccurate information

Including wrong facts or irrelevant material. Weakens the argument.

Fix: Check facts. Only include relevant evidence.

How Tutopiya helps

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Based on Pearson Edexcel IGCSE History 4HI1 and common patterns from IGCSE History examiner feedback.