Comparing two sources (Paper 1 Part (a))

Q: What is the primary task in Paper 1 Part (a) and how many marks is it worth?

The task is to compare two historical sources to identify similarities and differences, and it is worth 15 marks .

Q: In the context of the Cambridge 9489 syllabus, what are the three requirements for a complete "comparison"?

You must identify similarities (agreements), differences (disagreements), and explain why those similarities or differences exist using context or evaluation.

Q: What three elements should you look for when identifying similarities between sources?

You should look for similar content (events/people), a similar attitude (tone), and provide supporting evidence (quotes) from both sources.

Q: What are the three main types of differences to look for in a source comparison?

Look for direct contradictions , differences in focus (what they choose to emphasize), and differences in tone .

Q: How do you explain "why" two sources might differ or agree in their perspectives?

By analyzing the provenance (author, date, and purpose) and applying historical context to the sources.

Q: How do you compare a visual source, like a cartoon, with a text source?

Identify symbols in the visual source and compare their message to the claims made in the text source.

Q: What are the four essential criteria for a successful Part (a) summary checklist?

1. At least one similarity ; 2. At least one difference ; 3. Quotes/details from both; 4. An explanation of the "why" (purpose/context).

History (9489) · Cambridge International A Level · 5 min read · Updated: 7 Sept 2026

Mastering the Comparison: Paper 1 Part (a)

Welcome to the first step of your Paper 1 journey! Paper 1 is all about Historical Sources. In Part (a), you are given a specific task: to compare two sources. This question is worth 15 marks and is a fantastic way to pick up marks if you know the "recipe" for success. Think of this as a detective job where you are looking for where two witnesses agree and where their stories clash.

Don't worry if it seems tricky at first! By the end of these notes, you’ll have a clear step-by-step plan to tackle this question with confidence.

Note: For help on how to use all four sources together, see the chapter "Using four sources to test a claim (Paper 1 Part (b))".

1. What exactly does "Compare" mean?

In the Cambridge 9489 syllabus, the command word Compare means you must identify and comment on both similarities and differences. If you only talk about how the sources are the same, or only how they are different, you cannot reach the top marks.

The Goal: You need to show the examiner:
1. Ways the two sources agree (similarities).
2. Ways the two sources disagree (differences).
3. Why these similarities or differences exist (using context or evaluation).

An Everyday Analogy

Imagine two friends describing a football match. Friend A says, "The game was exciting and our team played well." Friend B says, "The game was intense, but we were lucky to win because the referee was biased."
Similarity: Both agree the game was high-energy ("exciting" vs "intense").
Difference: Friend A focuses on the team’s skill, while Friend B focuses on luck and the referee.
The "Why": Friend A might be the coach's son (biased toward skill), while Friend B might be a cynical fan who knows the referee personally!

2. The Three-Step Success Plan

To get those 15 marks, you should aim for a clear, structured response. A great way to organize your answer is in three main "blocks":

Step 1: Identify Similarities

Look for points where the two sources say the same thing.
- Content: Do they mention the same events or people?
- Attitude: Is the tone similar? Are they both angry, or both hopeful?
- Support: Always use a short quote or a specific detail from both sources to prove the similarity.

Step 2: Identify Differences

Now, look for the "but."
- Direct contradictions: Source A says the revolution was peaceful; Source B says it was a bloodbath.
- Difference in focus: Source A talks about economic causes; Source B focuses on the King's personality.
- Tone: One might be a formal government report (neutral), while the other is a passionate diary entry (emotional).

Step 3: Explain the "Why" (Context and Evaluation)

This is the "Level 4" skill that separates the best students. You must explain why the sources differ or agree.
- Provenance: Look at who wrote it, when, and why. If Source A is a King's speech and Source B is a peasant's letter, their views on a tax riot will naturally differ!
- Context: Use your historical knowledge. If Source A was written before a major defeat in war and Source B after, that explains why the tone changed from confident to depressed.

Quick Tip: Use "Comparison Connectors" to make your writing flow: "Similarly...", "In the same way...", "However...", "On the other hand...", "Conversely..."

3. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even the best students can fall into these traps. Keep an eye out for them:

1. The "Whose Side Are You On?" Trap: Do not just describe Source A and then describe Source B in two separate blocks. This is not a comparison! You must talk about them together.
Bad: "Source A says X. Source B says Y."
Good: "Both sources agree on X, however, they differ on Y because..."

2. Ignoring the Provenance: The little box of text at the top of the source (showing the author and date) is gold! Don't ignore it. It usually holds the key to explaining why the two sources don't see eye-to-eye.

3. Missing the Tone: Sometimes sources agree on the facts but have a totally different "vibe." Mentioning that one is "sarcastic" while the other is "respectful" is a high-level comparison point.

4. Working with Visual Sources

Sometimes, one of the sources might be a cartoon or a poster.
- To compare a text source with a visual source, look for symbols.
- If a text source describes Germany as "aggressive," look to see if the cartoon portrays Germany as a predatory animal or a soldier with a sword.
- The "message" of the cartoon is what you are comparing to the "claims" of the text source.

Did You Know?

In Paper 1, the four sources you are given will never exceed 600 words in total. This means the sources are quite short, so every word matters. Read them twice!

5. Summary Checklist for your Answer

Before you finish your Part (a) answer, ask yourself:
- Have I identified at least one clear similarity?
- Have I identified at least one clear difference?
- Have I used quotes or specific details from both sources?
- Have I explained why they are similar/different using the author's purpose or historical context?

Key Takeaway: Paper 1 Part (a) is not just about what is said, but how and why it is said. Focus on the relationship between the two sources, and you will secure those 15 marks!

Ready for the next step? Move on to "Source provenance, context and reliability" to learn more about how to evaluate the 'Why' behind a source's message.

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

Open each question to check the key ideas from this chapter.

What is the primary task in Paper 1 Part (a) and how many marks is it worth?

The task is to compare two historical sources to identify similarities and differences, and it is worth 15 marks.

In the context of the Cambridge 9489 syllabus, what are the three requirements for a complete "comparison"?

You must identify similarities (agreements), differences (disagreements), and explain why those similarities or differences exist using context or evaluation.

What three elements should you look for when identifying similarities between sources?

You should look for similar content (events/people), a similar attitude (tone), and provide supporting evidence (quotes) from both sources.

What are the three main types of differences to look for in a source comparison?

Look for direct contradictions, differences in focus (what they choose to emphasize), and differences in tone.

How do you explain "why" two sources might differ or agree in their perspectives?

By analyzing the provenance (author, date, and purpose) and applying historical context to the sources.

What is the "Whose Side Are You On?" trap in Paper 1 Part (a)?

The mistake of describing Source A and Source B separately instead of comparing them together in the same paragraph.

Why is the provenance box at the top of a source considered "gold" for students?

It provides the author, date, and origin, which are essential for explaining why a source holds a particular view or bias.

How do you compare a visual source, like a cartoon, with a text source?

Identify symbols in the visual source and compare their message to the claims made in the text source.

What are the four essential criteria for a successful Part (a) summary checklist?

1. At least one similarity; 2. At least one difference; 3. Quotes/details from both; 4. An explanation of the "why" (purpose/context).

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