AQA · GCSE · 8145
History — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE History (8145) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE History (8145)
AQA GCSE History (8145)
AQA GCSE History (8145) — Specification (2026)
Keywords support AQA GCSE History skills and common thematic areas (power & society; conflict; change and continuity; interpretation and sources). Specific depth studies vary by centre.
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes reward accurate contextual knowledge and careful use of command words. Use precise terms (e.g., ‘propaganda’, ‘causation’, ‘significance’) and link evidence directly to the question focus.
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical skills | Essential | Causation | Explaining why something happened by identifying and linking causes. | |
| Historical skills | Core | Consequence | The results or effects of an event, in the short or long term. | |
| Historical skills | Core | Significance | The importance of an event/person (e.g., how far it changed things). | |
| Historical skills | Advanced | Provenance | The origin of a source: who produced it, when, why, and for whom. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Core | Interpretation | A view or explanation of the past based on evidence and the historian’s perspective. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Advanced | Reliability | How trustworthy a source is for a given enquiry, considering purpose, origin, and content. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Advanced | Utility | How useful a source is for a specific question, considering what it can/cannot show. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Core | Bias | A one-sided viewpoint that can affect how events are presented. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Core | Context | Background circumstances that help explain why a source/event happened. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Core | Inference | A conclusion drawn from source details and contextual knowledge. | |
| Interpretations & sources | Advanced | Corroboration | Checking a claim by comparing it with other sources/evidence. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Core | Change | How far something became different over time. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Core | Continuity | How far something stayed the same over time. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Core | Turning point | An event that caused a major shift in direction or outcomes. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Core | Short-term consequence | An effect that happens soon after an event. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Advanced | Long-term consequence | An effect that develops over a longer period. | |
| Change, continuity & significance | Advanced | Significance criteria | Ways to judge importance (e.g., how far it changed lives, lasted, or led to later events). | |
| Judgement & argument | Core | Judgement | A reasoned conclusion that weighs evidence and explains ‘how far’ or ‘which was more important’. | |
| Judgement & argument | Core | Balanced argument | An answer that considers more than one viewpoint/factor before concluding. | |
| Judgement & argument | Core | Factor | A cause or influence that contributes to an outcome. | |
| Judgement & argument | Advanced | Relative importance | Comparing which factor mattered most and why, using evidence. | |
| Judgement & argument | Advanced | Synoptic link | A link made across time periods/themes to show wider understanding. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
History (8145) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE History keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important history terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE History (8145) — Specification (2026) (8145). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this History glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE History (8145) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for History.
- Can I download this History keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this History list aligned to the 8145 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE History (8145) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for History at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.