The 12 Mark "Explain Why" Question (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Note
Exam code: 1HI0
Summary of Question 2
Question 2 requires you to provide an analytical explanation of the event, development, theme or factor outlined in the question
This question will require you to use second-order concepts in your answer
This question has changed format since 2024
Previously, you did not have a choice of which 12-mark question you could answer
Now, you have a choice of two questions, where you will need to answer one
Amount of marks | 12 |
|---|---|
The time that you should spend on the question | No more than 20 minutes 5 minutes of planning 10–15 minutes of writing |
An example of the type of question you may encounter can be seen below:
In previous years, this question has focused on the following topics in Russia and the Soviet Union:
Year of Exam | Question Topic |
|---|---|
2018 | Stalin's introduction of the purges (opens in a new tab) |
2019 | Reasons for a revolution in Russia in February 1917 (opens in a new tab) |
2020 | The Civil War, 1918 (opens in a new tab) |
2021 | The persecution of ethnic minorities, 1924–41 (opens in a new tab) |
2022 | Stalin's changes to agriculture (opens in a new tab) |
2023 | The introduction of the NEP in 1921 (opens in a new tab) |
2024 | The failure of the Provisional Government |
What are second-order concepts?
Second-order concepts are thinking tools historians use to explain the past
The second-order concepts are:
Cause and consequence
Change and continuity
Similarities and differences
Historical significance
For the example question, the second-order concept is cause and consequence
Question 2 (a) in the example question asks you to explain why Stalin was able to become the leader of the USSR by 1928
The focus of the two 12-mark questions could either be on Russia or the Soviet Union
How to answer an "Explain why" question
This question asks you to explain causes and consequences
You need to demonstrate clear knowledge and understanding of the events or developments
In the exam, you will be given the option of two questions to answer
You only need to answer one question
You will not receive more marks for answering both questions
You should put an "X" in the box next to the question you have chosen to answer
You will receive two stimulus points
These are areas of knowledge to discuss in your question
If you only discuss these two stimulus points, you cannot access Level 4 (9-12 marks)
You must discuss three areas of knowledge in your answer to access Level 4
You should always plan your answers before writing them. You should consider:
What three areas of knowledge you are going to use
For Question 2 (b) in the example question, you could include Lenin's leadership, the First World War and the weakness of the Provisional Government
How they demonstrate cause and consequence across the time period outlined in the question
"Explain why" question structure
Your answer should include:
Specific and relevant own knowledge
The second-order concept in the question
A sustained explanation
A logical structure
Your answers could be written in PEEL paragraphs:
P — Make a point about the question
E — Use evidence that supports the point that you have made (K)
Use multiple pieces of evidence from the time period included in the question
E — Explain the question (SOC)
Explain how the evidence resulted in the event or development outlined in the question
L — Link your explanation back to the question
To achieve full marks, you need to repeat this structure three times
The question is out of 12 marks:
6 marks for a wide range of specific knowledge of the period and the topic (K)
6 marks for the analysis of the key second-order concepts (SOC)
Worked example of an "Explain why" question
Worked Example
2 (a) Explain why the Bolsheviks were able to seize power in October 1917.
(12)
You may use the following in your answer:
You must also use information of your own. |
Answer:
One reason the Bolsheviks were able to seize power in October 1917 was the weakness of the Provisional Government. Led by Alexander Kerensky, the government made the unpopular decision to continue fighting in the First World War, which caused more hardship and chaos in Russia. It also failed to solve land disputes or food shortages and had to share power with the Petrograd Soviet, making it hard to pass reforms (K). These problems meant that people lost trust in the government. Workers, soldiers and peasants were angry and ready for change. Many began to look towards more radical parties, such as the Bolsheviks, who promised to make citizens' lives better. Therefore, the failure of the Provisional Government created the conditions for revolution by October, as it lost the support of the people and allowed the Bolsheviks to gain strength (SOC).
Another key reason was Lenin’s leadership, which helped the Bolsheviks grow in popularity. When Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917, he immediately set out the April Theses, calling for “peace, bread and land” and an end to the Provisional Government. Lenin’s slogans appealed to ordinary Russians. He also persuaded his party to carry out a revolution in October, before the planned elections could reduce their influence (K). Lenin provided clear direction and helped the Bolsheviks stand out from other socialist groups. His timing and decisiveness were crucial, as he convinced the Party to act when the Provisional Government was at its weakest. Therefore, Lenin’s leadership was essential, as it turned the Bolsheviks into a powerful and organised revolutionary force (SOC).
A final reason was the strength and organisation of the Bolsheviks, especially in Petrograd. Under the leadership of Trotsky, they gained control of the Petrograd Soviet and used the Red Guards to seize key locations such as railway stations, post offices and the Winter Palace. This was done with minimal resistance (K). Due to their careful planning and growing support, the Bolsheviks were able to take power quickly and efficiently. Their military strength, propaganda and strategy made the seizure of power almost inevitable once the government’s weaknesses became clear. (SOC). Therefore, the Bolsheviks’ planning and control of force meant they could turn popular support into political power, completing their takeover in October.
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