Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · 1HI0
History — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) History (1HI0)
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.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE History (1HI0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE History (1HI0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) History (1HI0)
Aligned to Pearson Edexcel 1HI0: Paper 1 thematic study with historic environment, Paper 2 period study and British depth study, Paper 3 modern depth study with sources and interpretations. Skills span source analysis, causation, consequence, significance and historians' interpretations.
Mark schemes: Pearson mark schemes reward a sustained line of argument supported by precise own knowledge (names, dates, events). Source questions need NOP (Nature, Origin, Purpose) reasoning tied to the question. Interpretations: explain why historians differ, not just what they argue.
Active recall: 0 / 21 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source analysis | Essential | Primary source | Created at or near the time of the event under study. | |
| Source analysis | Core | Provenance | Author, date and context of a source — affects how we use it. | |
| Source analysis | Core | Utility | How useful a source is for answering the specific question asked. | |
| Source analysis | Core | OPCV | Origin, Purpose, Content, Value — Pearson's framework for source utility. | |
| Source analysis | Advanced | NOP analysis | Nature, Origin, Purpose — judge a source's value as evidence. | |
| Source analysis | Advanced | Cross-referencing | Comparing sources to test agreement, contradiction or corroboration. | |
| Causation | Core | Long-term cause | Underlying condition building up over years or decades. | |
| Causation | Core | Short-term cause | Recent factor adding pressure in months or years before the event. | |
| Causation | Core | Trigger | Immediate spark setting events in motion. | |
| Causation | Advanced | Hierarchy of causes | Ranking causes by importance with explicit justification. | |
| Consequence | Core | Immediate consequence | Outcome within weeks or months of the event. | |
| Consequence | Core | Medium-term consequence | Outcome within a few years of the event. | |
| Consequence | Core | Long-term consequence | Lasting outcome shaping decades after the event. | |
| Consequence | Advanced | Continuity vs change | What persisted vs what differed across the period under study. | |
| Significance & interpretations | Core | Significance | Why an event or person matters — judged against criteria, not just fame. | |
| Significance & interpretations | Core | 5Rs framework | Remembered, Resonant, Resulted-in-change, Revealing, Remarkable. | |
| Significance & interpretations | Core | Interpretation | A historian's argument or view about the past. | |
| Significance & interpretations | Advanced | Why interpretations differ | Access to evidence, purpose, context of writing and methodology. | |
| Essay structure | Core | PEEL paragraph | Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link — paragraph structure. | |
| Essay structure | Core | Thesis | Overall line of argument stated in the introduction. | |
| Essay structure | Advanced | Counter-argument | Acknowledge an opposing view, then refute with own knowledge. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
History (1HI0) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel GCSE History keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important history terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) History (1HI0) (1HI0). 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 (1HI0) 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 1HI0 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) History (1HI0) for Pearson Edexcel 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.