Cambridge IGCSE History 0470
Essential techniques for Cambridge IGCSE History students — source analysis, essay frameworks, question type guides, and causation vocabulary for every paper.
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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.
Whether you're evaluating sources, constructing arguments, or explaining historical causation, this reference sheet provides the frameworks and vocabulary you need to tackle every Cambridge IGCSE History question with confidence.
Source analysis framework — reliability and usefulness
Essay structures for for/against, causation, and significance
Question type breakdown with required response techniques
Historical causation connectives and academic vocabulary
Apply this framework systematically — examiners reward structured source evaluation.
How trustworthy is the source as historical evidence?
Nature
What type of source is it? (speech, diary, photograph, cartoon, official document) Origin
Who created it? When? In what context? Purpose
Why was it created? What does the creator want the audience to think or do? A source can be unreliable yet still useful as evidence of what people believed at the time.
How helpful is the source for answering a specific historical question?
What it tells us (content) → What it doesn't tell us (limitations) → Why it is/isn't useful for THIS question Always relate usefulness to the specific enquiry, not usefulness 'in general'.
Comparing two or more sources to assess agreement and reliability.
Source A states... → Source B supports/contradicts this by stating... → This agreement/disagreement is [surprising/expected] because... Explain WHY sources agree or disagree — consider the purpose and context of each.
A clear argument structure wins marks — plan before you write.
Used for questions asking 'How far do you agree...' or 'Was X the main cause...'
Introduction
State your overall judgement clearly — do not sit on the fence. Body paragraphs (for)
Evidence supporting the statement → explain significance → link to question Body paragraphs (against)
Counterargument → evidence → explain why this challenges the statement Conclusion
Weigh up evidence → restate your judgement with reasons → show you have considered both sides Explaining why an event happened — multiple causes with a judgement of significance.
Structure
Introduce the range of causes → dedicate one paragraph per cause → explain how causes link → judge which was most significant and why Use connective phrases: 'This led to...', 'As a result...', 'This in turn caused...'
Assessing the importance of an event, person, or development.
Structure
Define what makes something significant → examine short-term effects → examine long-term effects → judge overall significance with reasoning Identify the question type before planning — each has a different required approach.
Give factual information — no analysis required.
State the fact → add specific detail → optionally give a second related point Do not explain causes or effects unless asked.
Give reasons with factual support — multiple causes.
State the cause → explain HOW it contributed → use evidence → link to outcome or other causes Aim for at least 3 distinct explained causes.
Balanced argument leading to a clear judgement.
Thesis → evidence for → evidence against → weighed conclusion Your conclusion must justify your judgement — not just restate both sides.
What can you learn from the source?
Quote from source → 'This suggests...' / 'This shows...' → explain the inference and its significance Use precise academic language to link causes, effects, and judgements.
This caused... / This led to... / As a result of... / Consequently... / This resulted in... / This contributed to... This was significant because... / The most important factor was... / This had a lasting impact on... / Without this, it is unlikely that... On balance... / Weighing up the evidence... / While X was important, Y was more significant because... / The strongest argument is... The source suggests... / This implies... / The author's purpose was to... / This source is limited because... / Cross-referencing with Source B, we can see... Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
Strong analysis depends on precise factual knowledge. Create timeline cards for each topic with key dates, names, and events.
For extended essays and source questions, a clear and reasoned judgement earns you the top mark band. Don't leave your conclusion vague.
Source skills are distinct from essay skills. Spend dedicated time practising source analysis using the NOPQ framework.
Show how causes connect to each other — this demonstrates the highest level of historical thinking and earns the top marks.
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
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.
This page groups key History formulas in one place for revision. Master Cambridge IGCSE History (0470) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers source analysis frameworks, essay structures, question type guides, and causation vocabulary for exam success. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
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.
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in History, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
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.
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.
Work through source questions and extended essays with an experienced IGCSE History tutor. We focus on argument structure, source evaluation, and hitting the top mark bands.
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This reference sheet aligns with Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE History (0470) syllabus content.
Always support your arguments with specific factual evidence and make your overall judgement explicit in your conclusion.