Welcome to Source Cross-Referencing!

In your Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History exam, specifically in Paper 2, Section A, you will encounter a specific 8-mark question. This question asks you to act like a historical detective by comparing two different pieces of evidence. You aren't just reading them; you are looking to see how well they "talk" to each other. Do they tell the same story, or do they disagree?

This skill is called cross-referencing. Mastering it is the key to unlocking high marks in the Historical Investigation section of your exam.

Understanding the Question

The question will always be phrased like this:
"How far does Source A support the evidence of Source B about [a specific event or theme]? Explain your answer."

Key Facts to Remember:

  • Weight: 8 marks.
  • Location: Paper 2, Section A, Question (b).
  • Assessment Objective: AO3 (Using source material to comprehend and cross-refer).
  • The "Golden Rule": To get more than 5 marks, you must identify both agreement and disagreement between the two sources.

Step-by-Step: How to Cross-Refer

Step 1: Identify the Agreement (The "Support")

Read both sources carefully. Look for facts, details, or opinions that match. Even if they use different words, are they saying the same thing happened?

Example: If Source A says "the crowds were angry" and Source B says "protestors shouted slogans at the police," they both support the idea that there was social unrest.

Step 2: Identify the Disagreement (The "Challenge")

Now, look for where the sources "clash." This might be a flat-out contradiction, or it might be a difference in emphasis (one source thinks something is very important, while the other barely mentions it).

Example: Source A might say the protest was peaceful, while Source B claims it was a violent riot. These sources contradict each other.

Step 3: Use Short, Snappy Quotes

Don't just say the sources agree; prove it. Pick out two or three words from each source to show the examiner exactly what you are looking at. Keep quotes short to save time!

Step 4: Make a Judgement ("How Far?")

The question asks "How far." At the end of your answer, you need to decide if the support is strong (they agree on almost everything) or limited (they disagree on the most important points).

Structuring Your Answer

To keep your thoughts organized and make it easy for the examiner to give you marks, use a simple two-paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: Support (Agreement)
Start with: "Source A supports Source B to a [great/certain] extent because they both show..." Then, give a detail from Source A and a matching detail from Source B. Explain why this shows they agree.

Paragraph 2: Challenge (Disagreement)
Start with: "However, Source A does not support Source B in some ways. For example, Source A suggests... whereas Source B claims..." Provide your evidence and explain the difference in their views or facts.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict
A quick sentence: "Overall, Source A [strongly/partially/hardly] supports Source B because..."

Top Tips for Success

1. Look for "Nuance": Sometimes sources agree on the facts (what happened) but disagree on the reason (why it happened). Pointing this out shows a high level of skill!

2. Watch the Clock: You have about 10-12 minutes for this question. Don't spend too long writing a long introduction. Get straight into the comparison.

3. Avoid the "One-Sided" Trap: Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—just remember that the sources are chosen by the examiners specifically because they have both similarities and differences. If you can only find one side, look again!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring one source: You must talk about both Source A and Source B together. Don't write a paragraph on A and then a separate paragraph on B without linking them.
  • Missing the "Both Sides" Rule: If you only talk about how they agree, you are capped at 4 marks. You must find a difference to reach 5-8 marks.
  • Describing instead of Comparing: Don't just summarize what the sources say. Always use comparative language like "similarly," "likewise," "on the other hand," or "in contrast."

Quick Review: To get full marks, I need to show how Source A and B are the same, how they are different, use quotes for both, and decide overall "how far" they match.

Note: For more information on how to use these sources alongside an interpretation (Extract C), see the chapter on "Evaluating a historical interpretation with sources and own knowledge (16 marks)."