OCR · A Level · H505
History — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR A Level History A: Explaining the Modern World (H505)
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.
OCR A Level History (H505)
OCR A Level History (H505)
OCR A Level History A: Explaining the Modern World (H505)
OCR H505 (2026) develops source evaluation, causation, and historiographical engagement across British period study, non-British period study, thematic study with depth, and a topic-based essay (independent investigation).
Mark schemes: OCR uniquely demands engagement with named historians (AO5) for top bands. Source answers must apply NOP/OPCV systematically and cross-reference. Essays need sustained argument with precise dates, names, and statistics. Avoid narrative: every paragraph should advance the line of argument announced in the introduction.
Active recall: 0 / 13 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 | Primary vs secondary sources | Primary produced at the time of events, secondary written later analysing them. | |
| 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 actions. | |
| 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 with justified turning points. | |
| Historiography & essay craft | Advanced | Engagement with historians (AO5) | Citing named scholars and weighing their interpretations against evidence. | |
| Historiography & essay craft | Advanced | Why historians differ | Differences arise from sources used, ideology, methodology, and contemporary context. | |
| Historiography & essay craft | Core | PEEL paragraph structure | Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link returning each paragraph to the question. | |
| Historiography & essay craft | Advanced | Sustained argument | Consistent thesis maintained throughout the essay, not abandoned mid-way. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
History (H505) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR 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 OCR A Level History A: Explaining the Modern World (H505) (H505). 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 (H505) 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 H505 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR A Level History A: Explaining the Modern World (H505) for OCR 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.