Amended question paper layout for A Level History A
08 March 2024
As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility in our assessment materials, we are improving the A Level History A (H505) question paper layout to support students.
We have provided examples of the changes below:
Unit group 1 source questions
For the source type questions, we are separating the stem question from the given statement, with the statement appearing first and in quotes, for example:
1 ‘Churchill was proposing unrealistic policies with regard to gaining international support against Hitler in the 1930s.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view.
Unit group 3 interpretation questions
For the interpretation type questions, we are separating the instruction to students from the question, for example:
1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages.
Explain which you think is the more convincing explanation of the impact of the New Deal on Trade Union and Labour Rights.
Essay questions
For the essay type questions in all A Level History A unit groups, we are separating the quoted statement from the question, for example:
2* ‘Opposition to African-American civil rights remained powerful throughout the period from 1865 to 1992.’
How far do you agree?
These changes apply to assessments taking place from the June 2024 exam series onwards.
Although our A Level History A question papers will look a little different from previous years, the demand of and the types of questions is not changing.
Amended sample assessment material (SAM)
To reflect these changes to the question paper layout, we’ve amended the following sample question papers as examples:
You can view these examples in the Assessment > Sample assessment materials section of the A Level History A qualification page on our website.
You can also view and download these examples from the Assessment > Exams > Sample assessment materials section on Teach Cambridge.
Please share the examples of the new question paper layout with your A Level History A students.
If you have any queries about this update, please contact the History Subject Team on 01223 553998 or email us at [email protected].
Qualification