Why Students Struggle with History Exam Questions

Many students do not struggle with History because they lack knowledge; they struggle because they misinterpret what exam questions are asking. Misreading command words or question types can cost marks, even if the student knows all the facts.

This free guide is Step 1 in our 7-Step History Success System, teaching students how to decode GCSE and A-Level History exam questions confidently.

Parent Tip: Encourage your child to read questions carefully and plan answers; it is just as important as learning historical facts.

Why Students Struggle with GCSE and A-Level History Exam Questions

Understanding the question is the first step toward high marks. Common mistakes include:

• Ignoring command words like “Assess” or “Compare”
• Spending too long describing facts instead of analysing them
• Misidentifying the question type (essay vs source question)

Parent Note: Discussing sample questions with your child before the exam helps them quickly identify what’s being asked.

How to Decode History Exam Command Words

Command words in History exams tell students how to structure their answer. Recognising these words is essential.

Examples of common History command words:

• Explain → Describe causes or consequences with reasoning
• Assess → Evaluate the importance or impact of factors
• Compare → Identify similarities and differences
• Evaluate → Make a judgment supported by evidence
• Describe → Present factual information clearly

Practical Tip: Underline the command word and rewrite it in your own words.

Example:
Question: “To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for WWII?”
Student translation: “Decide how important the Treaty of Versailles was compared to other causes, such as Hitler’s aggression or the Great Depression.”

Common GCSE and A-Level History Question Types Explained

Recognising the question type helps students plan their answer efficiently.

Source-Based – Analyse reliability, perspective, or bias of sources.

Essay – Construct structured arguments with supporting evidence.

Significance / Cause – Explain the importance of events, people, or policies.

Comparison – Compare events, sources, or interpretations.

Parent Tip: Reviewing question types with your child improves confidence and reduces exam stress.

Step-by-Step Planning for History Exam Answers

Planning before writing prevents wasted time and off-topic answers. A simple method:

1. Rephrase the Question – Write it in your own words.
2. Brainstorm Key Points – List 3–5 main arguments or ideas.
3. Select Supporting Evidence – Note dates, examples, or quotes.
4. Outline Paragraph Structure – Decide the logical order of points.

Example:
Question: “Explain why the League of Nations failed in the 1930s.”

Plan:

• Point 1: Lack of enforcement powers → Example: Japan invaded Manchuria
• Point 2: Absence of major powers → Example: USA never joined
• Point 3: Economic pressures → Example: Great Depression limited responses

Parent Tip: Encourage your child to bullet-point their plan before writing. This reduces repetition and keeps answers structured.

How Understanding Questions Improves History Exam Results

Students who score top marks are not always those who memorise the most facts. They are students who:

• Understand what examiners want
• Structure their answers clearly
• Support every point with evidence
  

This Step 1 guide is the foundation of our full 7-Step History Success System, which also covers essay writing, using evidence effectively, managing exam time and remembering key facts.

Next Steps: Unlock the Full History Success Series

This post is just the first free step. The remaining Steps 2–7 cover:

Step 2 – Writing Analytical Essays for GCSE and A-Level History

Step 3 – Using Evidence Effectively in History Essays

Step 4 – Structuring GCSE and A-Level History Essays for Top Marks

Step 5 – Analysing Historians’ Interpretations in A-Level History

Step 6 – Managing Time in History Exams

Step 7 – Remembering Dates, Events and Key Facts for History Success