Introduction to Paper 2 Part (b)

Welcome! If you are preparing for your AS Level History exams, you have likely realized that Paper 2 is a big step up from simply "telling the story" of what happened. While Part (a) asks you to explain why something happened, Part (b) asks you to weigh up different factors and reach a judgement. This is worth 20 marks—two-thirds of the marks for each question! In this guide, we will break down how to build a powerful argument, look at different sides of the story, and ultimately decide which factor was the most important.

What is Paper 2 Part (b) looking for?

In this part of the exam, the examiners are testing two main skills, which they call Assessment Objectives:

  • AO1 (Knowledge): Using accurate and relevant historical facts to support your points.
  • AO2 (Analysis and Judgement): Explaining how those facts answer the question and deciding "how far" or "to what extent" a statement is true.

For Paper 2, these are weighted equally (50/50). This means having all the facts but no argument will only get you half marks, and having a great argument with no facts will also limit your score. You need both!

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The questions in Part (b) usually start with phrases like "To what extent..." or "How far do you agree...". They often give you one specific factor to focus on. For example: "How far was the impact of the Enlightenment the main cause of the 1789 Revolution in France?"

The "Given Factor": In the example above, the "Enlightenment" is the factor the examiner wants you to start with.
Alternative Perspectives: These are the other reasons for the revolution (like economic problems or the Estate system) that you must bring in to show a balanced view.

Analogy: The Talent Show Judge

Think of yourself as a judge on a talent show. If a singer performs, you don't just describe their outfit (that's just facts/AO1). You have to say how good they were compared to the dancers and the magicians, and finally decide who deserves the trophy. Part (b) is you handing out that "Historical Trophy" to the most important cause or impact.

Step 2: Structuring Your Essay

A high-scoring essay is like a well-built house; it needs a solid foundation and a clear structure. Don't worry if this seems daunting—following a simple pattern will help you stay on track.

1. The Introduction

Keep it brief! Define the key terms and list the factors you will discuss. Most importantly, give a "sneak peek" of your final judgement. This shows the examiner you have a clear plan.

2. The "Given Factor" Paragraphs

Start by discussing the factor mentioned in the question. Explain why it is important. Use the PEEL method:

  • Point: State the reason clearly.
  • Evidence: Give specific historical facts (names, dates, events).
  • Explanation: Explain how this evidence proves the point.
  • Link: Connect it back to the question (e.g., "Therefore, the Enlightenment played a significant role by challenging the King's authority").

3. The Alternative Perspectives Paragraphs

This is where you show "balance." Discuss other factors that might be just as important, or even more important, than the one in the question. If the question is about the success of a policy, this is where you talk about its failures.

4. The Comparative Judgement (Conclusion)

This is the most important part! Don't just summarize what you wrote. You must compare the factors. Which one was the "trigger" that set things off? Which one was the "underlying" cause that had been simmering for years? Make a choice and justify it.

Step 3: Creating a "Dialogue" between Factors

To reach the highest marks, you need to do more than just list Factor A, then Factor B. You need to show how they interact.
Example: "While the Enlightenment provided the ideas for revolution, it was the economic crisis that provided the opportunity for those ideas to be put into action."

Quick Tip: Use "Connecting Words" to show you are weighing things up:

  • "However..."
  • "On the other hand..."
  • "More significantly..."
  • "While [Factor X] was important in the short term, [Factor Y] was the fundamental long-term cause..."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't fall into these traps!

  • The "History Dump": Writing everything you know about a topic without answering the specific question. If it doesn't help you make a judgement, leave it out!
  • The "One-Sided" Argument: Only agreeing with the statement in the question. History is rarely that simple; there are always alternative perspectives.
  • The "Surprise" Conclusion: Reaching a judgement in the final paragraph that you haven't mentioned or supported in the rest of the essay.

Quick Review: The Essentials

Did you know? You are not expected to be "right" or "wrong" in your judgement. As long as you use evidence to support your view, you can argue for any factor! The examiner cares about how you argue, not which side you take.

Key Takeaways:
1. Balance: Always look at the given factor AND alternative views.
2. Evidence: Use specific AO1 knowledge to back up every point.
3. Judgement: Make a clear, comparative decision at the end.
4. Analysis: Constantly ask yourself "So what?" to make sure you are explaining, not just describing.

Note: For more on how to handle specific source-based questions, see the chapters on "Comparing two sources (Paper 1 Part (a))" and "Using four sources to test a claim (Paper 1 Part (b))".