Comparing two sources (Paper 1 Part (a))

Q: How can sources differ beyond direct disagreement (yes vs. no)?

Sources often differ in emphasis , where one author prioritizes one cause or factor (like the economy) while another author focuses on a different factor (like leadership).

Q: What is the "Golden Key" to achieving high marks in the comparison task?

The "Golden Key" is explaining why the sources differ by analyzing their provenance (who, when, why) and historical context .

History (9489) · Cambridge International AS Level · 4 min read · Updated: 7 Sept 2026

Introduction: Mastering the Art of Comparison

Welcome to one of the most important skills you will develop for your AS Level History course! In Paper 1 Part (a), you are asked to compare two historical sources. This question is worth 15 marks and acts as a warm-up for the larger Part (b) essay. Think of yourself as a detective. You aren’t just reading what two people said; you are looking for where they agree, where they disagree, and—most importantly—why they have different perspectives. Don't worry if it seems tricky at first; once you learn the "formula" for a great comparison, you will be able to tackle any pair of sources with confidence.

What Does the Examiner Want?

According to the official syllabus, the command word for this question is Compare. This means you must:

1. Identify similarities: What do the two sources agree on?

2. Identify differences: Where do the two sources say something different or take a different tone?

3. Use evidence: You must quote or paraphrase the sources to prove your points.

4. Explain the "Why": Use your knowledge of the time period (context) or the background of the author (provenance) to explain why these similarities or differences exist.

Step-by-Step: How to Write a High-Scoring Response

Step 1: The "First Glance" Read

Before you start writing, read the two sources named in the question (e.g., Source A and Source C). As you read, underline or highlight points where they seem to be talking about the same thing. Analogy: Imagine two friends describing a party. One says the music was great but the food was cold. The other says the food was terrible but the DJ was amazing. They agree on the food (bad) and the music (good)!

Step 2: Identifying Similarities

Start your answer by clearly stating what the sources agree on. Use phrases like: "Both Source A and Source B agree that..." or "Source A supports Source B’s view that..." Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just list what Source A says and then list what Source B says. You must link them together in the same paragraph.

Step 3: Identifying Differences

Now, look for the "clash." This could be a direct disagreement (one says "yes," the other says "no") or a difference in emphasis (one thinks the economy was the main problem, the other thinks it was the King’s leadership). Use phrases like: "However, the sources differ regarding..." or "While Source A claims X, Source B suggests Y."

Step 4: Explaining the Differences (The "Golden Key")

This is what separates a good answer from a great one. You need to explain why the sources might be different. Check the Provenance: Look at who wrote it, when, and why. Example: If Source A is a private diary entry by a French revolutionary and Source B is an official speech by King Louis XVI, they will naturally have different views on the 1789 Revolution! Check the Context: Was one written before a major event and the other after? This might change the author's perspective. (For more on this, see the chapter: "Source provenance, context and reliability".)

Quick Tips for Success

Keep it Balanced: Try to find at least two similarities and two differences.

Use Short Quotes: Don’t copy out whole sentences. Use three or four words that get to the point.

Stay Focused: Only compare the two sources the question asks for. If the question says Source A and Source C, ignore Source B and D for now!

Be Precise: Instead of saying "The sources are different," say "The sources represent conflicting interpretations of Napoleon’s leadership."

Common Pitfalls (What NOT to do)

1. The "Summary Trap": Do not just summarize Source A and then summarize Source B. If you don't use comparative words like "likewise" or "conversely," you aren't actually comparing.

2. Ignoring the Author: If you forget to look at who wrote the source, you won't be able to explain why the sources differ, which limits your marks.

3. Over-Generalizing: Avoid saying "Source A is wrong." In History, we prefer to say "Source A offers a subjective or one-sided view because..."

Key Takeaway: The Comparison Checklist

Before you finish your exam answer, quickly check:

[ ] Have I identified at least one clear similarity?

[ ] Have I identified at least one clear difference?

[ ] Have I used quotes from both sources?

[ ] Have I explained a difference by looking at who wrote it or when it was written?

Note: This skill is specifically for Part (a). For the next step in Paper 1, where you use all four sources to test a claim, see the chapter "Using four sources to test a claim (Paper 1 Part (b))".

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

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

What is the primary objective of Paper 1 Part (a) in AS Level History?

The primary objective is to compare two historical sources to identify similarities and differences in their perspectives, while explaining why those variations exist.

What four specific actions are required to meet the examiner's criteria for a "Compare" question?

You must identify similarities, identify differences, support points with source evidence (quotes), and explain the reasons for these similarities or differences using context or provenance.

Why should you avoid listing source content sequentially in separate paragraphs?

Sequential listing is a "summary trap"; you must link sources together using comparative language to demonstrate a direct relationship between their views.

How can sources differ beyond direct disagreement (yes vs. no)?

Sources often differ in emphasis, where one author prioritizes one cause or factor (like the economy) while another author focuses on a different factor (like leadership).

What is the "Golden Key" to achieving high marks in the comparison task?

The "Golden Key" is explaining why the sources differ by analyzing their provenance (who, when, why) and historical context.

What is the recommended approach for using quotes in your response?

Use short, precise quotes of three or four words that target the specific point of comparison rather than copying entire sentences.

Why should you avoid saying a source is "wrong" in your evaluation?

History is about interpretation; it is more accurate and academic to describe a source as "subjective," "one-sided," or reflecting a specific perspective.

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