Introduction to Paper 1 Part (b): The Big 25-Marker

Welcome! If you are preparing for Paper 1 of your AS History exam, you have reached the "main event." Part (b) of the source paper is worth 25 marks, which is a huge chunk of your overall grade. In this section, you will be given a specific claim (a statement) and four sources. Your job is to act like a judge in a courtroom: you must look at all the evidence (the sources) and decide how far they support that claim.

Don't worry if it feels overwhelming at first. Think of it as a puzzle where you need to sort the pieces into two piles: those that say "Yes, the claim is true" and those that say "No, the claim is false."

What is the Examiner Looking For?

To get the highest marks, you need to do three main things:

  • Use all four sources: You cannot ignore any of the evidence.
  • Build an argument: You must show both sides of the debate (the support and the challenge).
  • Use your own knowledge: You need to bring in historical facts from your lessons to explain the sources.

Step 1: Understanding the "Claim"

The question will always follow a similar format: "How far do the sources support the view that...?" or "To what extent do the sources agree...?"

Example Claim: "How far do these sources support the view that Napoleon was a popular leader in France?"

Before you start reading, identify the key focus of the claim. In the example above, it is "Napoleon’s popularity." Anything in the sources about his popularity is relevant evidence.

Step 2: Grouping the Sources

Once you’ve read the sources, the best way to stay organized is to group them. Do not just describe Source A, then Source B, then Source C. Instead, group them by how they relate to the claim.

The "Yes" Pile (Support): Which sources agree with the statement? (e.g., Sources A and D say Napoleon was loved).

The "No" Pile (Challenge): Which sources disagree or offer a different view? (e.g., Sources B and C say people were forced to support him or that he was hated).

Memory Aid: Think of this as a Balance Scale. You are weighing the evidence on both sides to see which way the scale tips.

Step 3: Evaluating the Evidence

You shouldn't just take the sources at face value. A source written by Napoleon’s best friend will probably say he was popular, but can we trust it? This is called evaluation.

When you use a source, briefly consider:

  • Provenance: Who wrote it? Why? When? (See the chapter on Source provenance, context and reliability for more detail).
  • Weight: If a source is very biased, it might be "weaker" evidence, but it still tells us what that specific person wanted people to believe.

Step 4: Using Your Contextual Knowledge (AO1)

The syllabus requires you to use historical knowledge to help you analyze the sources. This means you should bring in facts that aren't in the sources to help explain why a source says what it does.

Example: If Source B is a letter from 1814 complaining about Napoleon, you could mention that by 1814, France was exhausted by constant wars and economic problems, which explains why the writer is so angry.

How to Structure Your Answer

A high-scoring essay usually follows this simple structure:

1. Introduction: Briefly state that the sources offer a range of views. Identify which sources support the claim and which ones challenge it.

2. The "Support" Paragraph(s): Group the sources that agree with the claim. "Sources A and D support the view that... because..." Use quotes from the sources and your own knowledge to explain them.

3. The "Challenge" Paragraph(s): Group the sources that disagree. "On the other hand, Sources B and C suggest that... because..." Again, use evidence and your own knowledge.

4. The Comparison/Synthesis: Show how the sources talk to each other. Does Source C explain why Source A is wrong? This shows the examiner you are thinking critically.

5. Conclusion: Make a final judgement. Overall, how far does the evidence go? Does the weight of the evidence lean more toward "Yes" or "No"?

Quick Review: Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

  • Mention all four sources (A, B, C, and D) by name.
  • Use short, snappy quotes to support your points.
  • Talk about "how far" or "to what extent."

DON’T:

  • Just summarize what the sources say without linking them to the claim.
  • Write a general history essay without mentioning the sources.
  • Forget to look at the "other side" of the argument.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: The "Laundry List" approach. This is when a student writes "Source A says X. Source B says Y. Source C says Z." This is a description, not an argument. Instead: Try to connect them: "While Source A claims the revolution was peaceful, Source B provides a conflicting account by describing the violence in the streets."

Mistake 2: Ignoring the context. If you forget to use your own historical knowledge, you are missing out on 25% of the marks for this paper (AO1).

Key Takeaway

To succeed in Part (b), you must build a balanced argument using all four sources and your own knowledge of the period. Your goal is not to prove the statement is 100% true or false, but to explain the "extent" of the agreement between the sources.