How to Get an A* in IGCSE History

Achieving a 9/A* in IGCSE History can feel like a daunting challenge but don’t worry with the right approach, it is entirely possible. 

Many students struggle with understanding how to apply their historical knowledge, analyse sources effectively, and develop strong, argument-driven essays under exam conditions.

Whether you're studying Cambridge (opens in a new tab) or Edexcel (opens in a new tab) IGCSE History, knowing exactly what examiners are looking for and how to approach each aspect of the exam is crucial.

In this article, drawing on my experience of guiding hundreds of students to exam success to gain that top grade in IGCSE History, I’ll share key strategies. You'll learn how to structure your revision, master the content, and improve your exam technique. This will give you the confidence you need to achieve that Grade 9/A* on results day. 

What You Need to Know to Get a 9/A*

Understanding the IGCSE History Exam Structure

IGCSE History papers are designed to test different skills at different levels.

Cambridge IGCSE History

• Paper 1: Core content and depth studies (40%).

• Paper 2: Document-based questions related to the prescribed topics (30%). 

• Component 3 or Paper 4: Students then have the option to complete either coursework (Component 3) or an additional exam, known as Alternative to Coursework (Paper 4), which accounts for 30% of the course.

Edexcel IGCSE History

• Two exam papers, each worth 50% of the qualification.

  • Paper 1: Depth studies.

  • Paper 2: Historical investigation and breadth study.

Read our IGCSE History Topics by Exam Board: Full List article to discover more information on the topics that you could be studying at IGCSE History.

Each paper tests specific skills, such as:

• Chronology

• The second-order concepts (opens in a new tab) of: 

  • Cause and consequence

  • Similarities and differences

  • Change and continuity

  • Importance

  • Sources and evidence

  • Historical interpretation

What the Top Band Really Looks Like

To score in the highest band (typically a Level 4), your answers need to show sophisticated historical thinking.

Source and interpretation questions

You should analyse reliability, usefulness, and bias with specific reference to provenance and context.

Essay questions

You should have clear arguments supported by accurate, detailed evidence that directly answer the question.

Assessment Objectives Breakdown

Edexcel IGCSE History

• AO1: Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating your understanding of historical events and periods.

• AO2: Analysis and Evaluation: Explaining, analysing, and making judgments about historical events and periods.

• AO3: Source Evaluation: Using a range of sources to comprehend, interpret, and cross-reference them.

• AO4: Historical Interpretation: Analysing and evaluating historical interpretations within the context of historical events.

Cambridge IGCSE History

• AO1: Knowledge and Understanding: The ability to recall, select, organise, and deploy knowledge effectively.

• AO2: Explanation: Constructing historical explanations using cause, consequence, change, continuity, and an understanding of people's motives and beliefs.

• AO3: Source Evaluation: Understanding, interpreting, and evaluating a range of historical sources.

Mastering the Content: How to Revise Effectively

Building Your Revision Arsenal

Revision guides should be your starting point, not your only resource. Use them to identify key themes and create a framework for your knowledge.

Flashcards work brilliantly for learning key dates, people, and events. Create separate cards for causes, events, and consequences. Test yourself regularly and focus extra time on the ones you find trickiest.

Mind maps help you see connections between different historical factors. Start with a central topic and branch out to show causes, consequences, and links to other events. Use different colours for political, economic, and social factors.

Discover more revision techniques that work in my How to Revise IGCSE History article.

Creating a Revision Timetable That Actually Works

• Start early, ideally 3-4 months before your exams.

  • Break your syllabus into manageable chunks and assign specific topics to specific weeks.

• Use active revision techniques for 45-minute blocks with 15-minute breaks.

  • Don't just read: Summarise, test yourself, and practice exam questions.

• Build in regular review sessions to revisit topics you've already covered.

  • The spacing effect means you'll remember information better if you review it multiple times over several weeks.

• Track your progress using a simple checklist or colour-coding system.

  • This helps you see which topics need more attention and gives you a sense of achievement as you tick things off.

Learn more about how to structure your revision timetable.

Source Questions: Tips and Common Pitfalls

Source questions require you to evaluate primary sources. These types of questions assess your ability to evaluate:

• Provenance: Who created it, when, and why?

• Content: What information does the source provide?

• Context: What was happening at the time the source was produced?

To get full marks, ensure you evaluate the reliability and/or usefulness of the source and link this to your historical knowledge.

The OPCVL Method for Source Analysis

Use the OPCVL method to break down sources:

• Origin: Who created the source, and when?

• Purpose: Why was it created?

• Content: What does it say?

• Value: How useful is the source for answering the question?

• Limitations: What are the weaknesses or biases?

Ensure that every piece of analysis directly relates to the specific question being asked.

Common Source Question Pitfalls

• Describing what the source says.

  • You need to evaluate its reliability and/or usefulness.

• Making claims without evidence.

  • Always support your points with specific details from the source or your contextual knowledge.

• Ignoring the provenance.

  • Who created the source and why is crucial for evaluation.

• Getting distracted from the specific question.

  • A source might be unreliable, but useful for the particular enquiry.

Essay Writing: Structure, Arguments, and Analysis

Planning Your Essay Response

• Spend 5-10 minutes planning before you start writing.

• Identify the key words in the question and brainstorm relevant factors, evidence, and examples.

• Create a simple plan showing your main arguments and supporting evidence for each paragraph.

The Winning Essay Structure

Introduction (2-3 sentences):

• Define key terms

• Set out your main argument

• Preview your line of reasoning

Main body paragraphs (3-4 paragraphs):

• Use the PEEL structure:

  • One clear point per paragraph

  • Evidence to support your point

  • Explaining how this evidence supports your argument

  • Link back to the question

Conclusion (2-3 sentences):

• Summarise your main arguments

• Reach a clear judgement that answers the question

What Makes a Strong Historical Argument

• Use specific, accurate evidence.

  • Instead of "Many people died in World War One," write "Approximately 8.5 million soldiers died in World War One”

• Explain the significance of your evidence rather than just stating facts.

  • Show how your evidence supports your argument and relates to the broader historical picture.

• Consider different perspectives and acknowledge complexity where appropriate.

  • History is rarely right or wrong, and sophisticated answers recognise this.

Exam Technique: Time Management and Strategy

Dividing Your Time Effectively

• Know how long each question should take before you enter the exam room.

  • For a 2-hour paper with 4 questions, spend roughly 30 minutes per question. 

  • For papers with different mark allocations, divide your time proportionally.

• Stick to your time limits even if you haven't finished a question perfectly.

  • It's better to attempt all questions adequately than to perfect one question and run out of time.

Smart Exam Strategies

• Read all questions first and choose your strongest ones if you have options.

• Start with questions you feel most confident about to build momentum and confidence.

• Plan your answers, especially for essay questions.

  • Even 2-3 minutes of planning can save you time and improve your structure.

• Leave space in your exam booklet to come back to questions if necessary.

Managing Exam Stress and Pressure

• Recreate exam conditions as closely as possible

  • Give yourself the same time limits, no notes, and proper exam papers.

• Time yourself strictly and don't allow extra time, even if you haven't finished.

• Mark your work honestly using the mark scheme, or ask a teacher to help.

• Develop a pre-exam routine that helps you feel calm and focused.

  • This could include making sure to eat beforehand, listening to music or breathing techniques

• Remember that some nerves are normal and can actually help you perform better.

Common Mistakes That Cost Students a 9/A*

Content and Knowledge Errors

• Mixing up chronology

  • Getting the order of events wrong undermines your entire argument.

  • Create timelines for each topic and regularly test yourself on the sequence of events.

• Using inaccurate dates for key events

  • For questions on chronology, you will be unable to access higher marks for knowledge.

  • Double-check key facts and figures, and use memory techniques like mnemonics for important dates.

• Focusing on narrative rather than analysis

  • In my experience with exam groups, students often tell the story of the topic instead of explaining its significance.

  • Always ask "So what?" after presenting evidence. Explain why it matters for your argument.

Writing and Structure Problems

• Failing to answer the specific question

  • Many students often address the general topic instead of the precise wording.

  • Highlight key words in the question and check each paragraph relates directly to them.

• Poor paragraph structure

  • Many exam boards mark on the organisation of the answer

  • Students’ answers can mix multiple ideas in one paragraph or lack clear topic sentences.

  • Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for each paragraph.

• Making weak or no judgements in ‘How far do you agree…’ questions

  • This means you cannot set up and reinforce your argument.

  • Having a weak conclusion or none at all, limits your judgement mark for questions that require an opinion

  • You could write your conclusion immediately after your introduction to ensure they align, then fill in the body paragraphs.

• Ignoring alternative viewpoints

  • As a History teacher, I have seen many students only present one side of an argument if they feel strongly about the statement.

  • Use phrases like "However, some historians argue..." to show awareness of different interpretations.

Grade 9/A* Student Secrets: What Top Candidates Do Differently

The Mindset That Makes the Difference

Top students think like historians—they question sources, explore multiple perspectives, and look for connections between different events and periods.

History rarely has clear-cut explanations, and Grade 9/A* students show sophisticated understanding of this complexity, acknowledging both sides of an argument.

They also have a clear idea about what each question is asking them to do, so they can demonstrate the appropriate skills

Study Habits That Actually Work

• Daily review sessions for 15–20 minutes.

• Active engagement with sources.

  • They don't just read primary sources, they analyse them.

• Regular essay practice.

  • Writing a full essay under timed conditions at least once a week.

• Asking for feedback from teachers and use it to improve your exam techniques.

• Creating connections.

  • Linking different topics and time periods rather than studying them in isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend revising for IGCSE History?

Start revision 3–4 months before your exams and aim for 1–2 hours a day in the final month.

Quality matters more than quantity - active revision techniques like practice questions and self-testing are more effective than just reading notes.

How do I structure a source-based answer for top marks?

Use OPCVL to evaluate sources and always relate your analysis to the specific question.

Do I need to know every date and fact to get a 9/A*?

No, but you need to know key dates and have accurate factual knowledge. Focus on key dates and significant events.

IGCSE History focuses more on your understanding of an event in the ‘bigger picture’ of the topic, such as its causes, consequences, significance and comparison to other events.

How can I improve my history essay writing?

• Plan your essays and write them using PEEL. 

• Develop a clear line of argument throughout the question. 

• Practice regularly - write at least one full essay per week under timed conditions.

• Always ask your teacher for feedback on your essays.

What's the difference between a Grade 8/A and a Grade 9/A* answer?

A Grade 9/A* answer includes more analysis, depth, and clarity. It demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the historical issues and concepts involved.

Final Thoughts

Getting a 9/A* in IGCSE History comes down to four key areas: thorough content knowledge, strong analytical skills, effective exam technique, and consistent practice.

• Master your content through active revision techniques that help you understand patterns and connections, not just isolated facts.

• Develop your source analysis skills by practising with different types of sources and always considering provenance, purpose, and context.

• Perfect your essay technique through regular practice, clear planning, and structured arguments supported by specific evidence.

• Use smart exam strategies, including effective time management, reading questions carefully, and staying calm under pressure.

Master these skills, and that Grade 9/A* will be within your reach.

References:
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 2024-2026 (opens in a new tab)

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History Specification (opens in a new tab)

Second-order concepts of History (opens in a new tab)