Pearson Edexcel · A Level · 9HI0
History — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0)
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 A Level History (9HI0)
Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0)
Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0)
Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 (2026) develops source evaluation, causation, change/continuity, and historiographical engagement across breadth and depth papers, a thematic study with historical interpretations, and a coursework essay (independent investigation).
Mark schemes: Pearson rewards linked reasoning that ties evidence to argument paragraph by paragraph. Source questions must apply NOP/OPCV systematically and cross-reference. Historical interpretations papers (AO5) require named historians with critical evaluation, not just attribution. Top bands need a sustained thesis and precise dates, names, and statistics.
Active recall: 0 / 14 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source analysis | Core | NOP framework | Nature, Origin, and Purpose used to assess a source's reliability and value. | |
| Source analysis | Core | OPCV utility | Origin, Purpose, Content, Value framework judging usefulness for a specific enquiry. | |
| Source analysis | Core | Cross-referencing | Comparing sources to corroborate claims, identify agreement, or expose contradiction. | |
| Source analysis | Core | Provenance | Authorship, date, and context of a source shaping how its content should be weighted. | |
| Causation & consequence | Core | Causation chains | Long-term, short-term, and trigger causes interacting to produce historical events. | |
| Causation & consequence | Core | Consequences typology | Immediate, medium-term, and long-term effects rippling through political and social spheres. | |
| Causation & consequence | Advanced | Intended vs unintended consequences | Distinguishing planned outcomes from unforeseen results when judging historical actions. | |
| Causation & consequence | Core | Change and continuity | Identifying what altered and what persisted across a defined period. | |
| Significance | Core | The 5 Rs of significance | Remembered, Resonant, Resulted in change, Revealing, and Remarkable criteria. | |
| Significance | Core | Periodisation | Dividing the past into named periods justified by turning points and themes. | |
| Historiography & essay | Advanced | Engagement with historians (AO5) | Citing named scholars and weighing their interpretations against evidence. | |
| Historiography & essay | Advanced | Why historians differ | Differences arise from sources used, ideology, methodology, and contemporary context. | |
| Historiography & essay | Core | PEEL paragraph structure | Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link returning each paragraph to the question. | |
| Historiography & essay | Advanced | Sustained argument | Consistent thesis maintained throughout the essay rather than abandoned mid-way. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
History (9HI0) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel A Level 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 A Level History (9HI0) (9HI0). 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 A Level History (9HI0) 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 9HI0 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel A Level History (9HI0) for Pearson Edexcel A Level. 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 A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.