AS Edexcel History Unit 2

Learn how to do the sources questions.

Do a bi of reading for further knowledge.

Hey, I'd post my notes for you but they're all handwritten and at home in this topic. The most crucial aspect that you understand in relation to this module is that if you know how to properly analyse the sources then I promise you that you already have 50-60% of the marks in the bag even if you have absolutely no knowledge of the content of the course.

In the most basic terms, the structure of the source essay which I use is: 1) Introduction 2) Analysis of source 1 (3) Analysis of source 2 (4) Analysis of Source 3 (5) Conclusion. You need to compare the sources also but you do that as you go along as it saves an enormous amount of time. For example after analysing source 1 you move on to source 2 and after analysing that you should compare the similarities and differences it has with Source 1 and WHY this. For example does the writer of one of the sources have biased provenance, is he perhaps a newspaper writer who favours sensationalist statements over fact?? Then when you do analyse Source 3, you do the same thing- compare the similarities and differences between that source and the other two and underline why these exist. Also when you're analysing the sources in each paragraph use your knowledge also: "Source X says this BUT reality contradicts this as Y happened- this may be because the author has biased provenance as he is..." or "Source X says "Blah blah blah" and indeed when we look at the events from 1854-1858 these support the source's viewpoint in that...."

Also an important aspect is that your conclusion and your introduction should be very similar not in wording but in terms of your overall argument. In your introduction set out your argument (but never use the words I or me obviously): Just say blah blah but overall it is apparent that factor X was the most important and the others although significant played less of a role. Then repeat this argument in every single paragraph. For example if a source goes against your initial argument set out to debunk that source but if it supports it then back it up with your own knowledge- however be careful in doing this, if a source backs your own argument you still need to explore its provenance and see if it may be biased etc.

Also very important: When you're setting our evidence (e.g. Source X says this, the evidence for this is....) DO NOT ever write in chronological order but always in order of importance. It should go "Source Y says this. Clearly the most compelling piece of evidence to back this up is..."

OK and get the Experience of Warfare textbook from Edexcel if you don't have it. I have attached two essays. The first one is actually the first A Level history essay I ever wrote so it may not be world class but it still got a really high mark- my introduction and conclusion are too long in that- make them 10 handwritten lines maximum. The second one is my A2 history coursework (100% in that) and that provides a better indication of the best to analyse sources as well as in terms of the best way to structure an essay.

Hope I have helped :bhangra:

I'm doing the same exam board but mine is on Henry VIII rather than Britain and Ireland so I can't help you much there...

However, for the source questions we were told that you're supposed to use only the sources and no own knowledge - the only time you should use your own knowledge for those questions is to evaluate the reliability of the source. Hope this helps, and good luck!