Common Options
Examples of breadth study options.
Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform | Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin | The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991 | The American Republic, 1865–1929 Pearson Edexcel A Level History 9HI0
📜 Pearson Edexcel A Level History Reference Sheet 2026
Breadth, Depth, and Themes — plus the Historical Investigation coursework, NOP/LOPSAUCE source evaluation, causation analysis, the 5Rs of significance, and historiographical engagement.
Breadth + Depth + Themes NOP / LOPSAUCE Sources 5Rs of Significance Historiography
Our reference sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
All the Core Edexcel A Level History Techniques in One Reference Sheet
Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0) tests breadth, depth, themed comparison, source evaluation, and independent investigation. This reference sheet pulls together the paper-by-paper requirements, the source frameworks, the analytical vocabulary, and the historiographical tools you need to argue at the top band.
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Paper 1 Breadth, Paper 2 Depth + sources, Paper 3 Themes + Aspects
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NOP and LOPSAUCE source-evaluation frameworks
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Causation, consequence, and 5Rs significance frameworks
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Historiographical engagement — using named historians under AO3/AO5
Paper 1 — Breadth Study (~100 years)
Wide-ranging analysis across a long period — change, continuity, and comparison.
Long-Period Analytical Skills
What examiners reward at A Level breadth.
Identifying turning points; tracking change vs continuity; comparing different periods within the breadth; weighing the relative significance of factors over time Essay Structure for Breadth
Sustain argument across a long timeframe.
Thesis → 4–6 thematic paragraphs (NOT chronological narrative) → counterargument → judgement weighing pace/extent of change Paper 2 — Depth Study (~30 years) with Sources
Focused depth study assessed partly through source-based questions.
Common Options
Examples of depth study options.
Britain transformed, 1918–79 | The rise and fall of Fascism in Italy, c1911–46 | India, c1914–48: the road to independence | South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to 'rainbow nation' Source Question Technique — NOP
Apply systematically to every source.
N — Nature
What kind of source is it? Speech, diary, government record, photograph, newspaper? O — Origin
Who created it, when, and from what perspective? P — Purpose
Why was it created — to inform, persuade, justify, record? Source Question Technique — LOPSAUCE
Extended provenance/utility evaluation.
Language | Origin | Purpose | Source-type | Audience | Usefulness | Context | Evaluation — combine for depth utility judgements Cross-Referencing & Utility
Edexcel asks how useful sources are for a SPECIFIC enquiry.
Identify what the source reveals → identify limitations (bias, gaps) → cross-reference with other sources or own knowledge → judge utility for the named enquiry Paper 3 — Themes in Breadth + Aspects in Depth
Combining a wide thematic overview with focused depth on specific aspects.
Common Options
Examples of Paper 3 options.
Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 | The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 | The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750 | Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009 Question Types
Three distinct question styles in Paper 3.
Section A — source utility/value for a depth aspect | Section B — depth essay on an aspect | Section C — breadth essay across the full theme Linking Themes & Aspects
Use depth aspects as illustrative case studies for thematic claims.
Anchor thematic generalisations in specific named depth aspects — examiners reward the integration of breadth pattern + depth example Coursework — Historical Investigation (3,000–4,000 words)
Independent essay on a topic of your choice over ~100 years.
Question Design
Frame an enquiry that invites historiographical engagement.
'How far...' / 'To what extent...' / 'Assess the view that...' — frame so different historians have offered competing answers Engagement with Historians
Coursework rewards explicit AO3 historiographical analysis.
Identify 2–3 contrasting historians; explain WHY they differ (evidence, methodology, time of writing, ideological position); evaluate which is most convincing Structure
Standard structure for the Historical Investigation.
Introduction (context + thesis) → 4–6 thematic paragraphs with embedded historiography → counterargument paragraph → conclusion (weighed judgement) → bibliography Essay Structure & Argument Vocabulary
PEEL paragraphs, sustained thesis, named historians where required.
PEEL Paragraph
The standard analytical paragraph structure.
P
Point — topic sentence with clear argument E
Evidence — specific, precise (dates, names, statistics) E
Explanation — link evidence back to the argument L
Link — return to the question and overall thesis Argument Vocabulary
Precise academic language for top-band writing.
A compelling case can be made that... | Corroborated by... | This is qualified by... | The weight of evidence suggests... | Ultimately, on balance... | The most persuasive interpretation is... Counterargument Engagement
Top-band essays engage genuinely with the opposing view.
It could be argued that... → acknowledge merit → explain why your thesis still holds → return with strengthened judgement Causation, Consequence & Significance
Distinct types of historical explanation — show you can tell them apart.
Causation Analysis
Why did an event happen?
Long-term
Underlying structural conditions (social, economic, political) that built over time Short-term
Immediate precipitating factors in the months/years before the event Trigger
The specific spark — link explicitly to long-term and short-term causes Consequence Analysis
What were the effects of an event?
Immediate (weeks/months) → medium-term (years) → long-term (decades); intended vs unintended consequences Historical Significance — 5Rs
Edexcel-friendly framework for significance questions.
Remembered
Has the event been commemorated/remembered over time? Resonant
Did it resonate with contemporary lives and identities? Resulted in change
Did it bring about meaningful change? Revealing
Does it reveal something important about the period? Remarkable
Was it considered remarkable at the time and afterwards? Historiography — Engaging with Named Historians
Why historians disagree, and how to deploy them.
Why Historians Differ
Use these reasons to explain interpretative disagreement.
Different evidence available | Different methodology | Different time of writing (changing political/social context) | Different ideological position Deploying Historians
Quote, attribute, and evaluate — never just name-drop.
'Historian X argues...' → describe the interpretation → support or challenge with evidence → contrast with Historian Y → reach your own evaluative judgement Schools of Interpretation
Headline schools you may encounter.
Whig | Marxist | Revisionist | Post-revisionist | Annales (long-term structures) | Cultural/social history How to Use This Reference Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Build an Evidence Bank Per Topic
For each depth/breadth area, compile 10–15 specific facts (dates, names, statistics, quotations) that you can deploy flexibly across question types.
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Plan Before You Write
Spend 5–8 minutes planning every essay. Map your thesis, paragraph topics, evidence, and counterargument before writing — it dramatically improves coherence.
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Always Apply NOP to Sources
Never describe the content of a source without addressing Nature, Origin, Purpose. Then cross-reference and judge utility for the specific enquiry.
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Memorise Historians by Position
For each topic, learn 3–4 historians and their differing positions. Use them under AO3 to demonstrate genuine engagement, not name-dropping.
Reference Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the Pearson Edexcel A Level History Reference Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What History topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key History formulas in one place for revision. Master Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers Papers 1–3 (Breadth, Depth + sources, Themes + Aspects), the Historical Investigation coursework, NOP/LOPSAUCE source frameworks, ca… Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Post-Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Post-Secondary in History, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with History revision?
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
Need Help with Pearson Edexcel A Level History?
Work through breadth, depth, and themed essay technique, plus source questions and the Historical Investigation, with an experienced Edexcel A Level History tutor. We focus on argument, evidence, and historiography.
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This reference sheet aligns with the Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0) specification for the 2026 exam series.
Always support arguments with specific, precise evidence, and make your judgement explicit and reasoned.