The 4 Mark "Explain One Way" Question (Edexcel GCSE History)

Summary of Question 3

• Question 3 requires you to identify and explain one way in which two events or developments were similar or different

• An example of the type of question you may encounter can be seen below:

• In previous years, this question has focused on the following topics in Crime and Punishment in Britain:

How to explain how historical events & developments are similar and different

• The thematic study tests you on the way that you explain continuity and change over time

• To help you to do this, remember that:

  • The thematic study is divided into four different time periods. A question could:

    • Select any two of these four periods

    • Focus on two events or developments from across the four time periods

    • Compare a common area across two periods, for example, punishment

  • Consider using the key themes of types of criminal activity, law enforcement and punishments to help you explain the similarities and differences between the two time periods

How to answer a "Explain one way" question

• When answering an "Explain one way" question, you need to:

  • Read the question carefully

  • Include specific and relevant knowledge

    • This information should come from both time periods given in the question

  • Make a direct comparison between the two events or developments

    • For the example answer, a direct comparison is that, in c1500-c1700 a crime against property was poaching. However, in the years c1900- present day, a crime against property is identity theft

  • Explain how the two events or developments are similar or different

  • Only explain one similarity or difference, as stated in the question

• To access Level 2 (3-4 marks), you must:

  • Show good knowledge and understanding of both periods outlined in the question

  • Explain the similarity or difference of the event or development outlined in the question

"Explain one way" question structure

• Your answer should consist of:

  • Specific and relevant knowledge about the topic to support the comparison

  • Explanation of the similarity or difference outlined in the question

• Your answers could be written in a PEE paragraph:

  • P- Make a point about the question

  • E- Include knowledge to support the point you have made (K)

    • Focused on the two developments or events mentioned in the question 

    • Show knowledge to demonstrate similarities or differences between the two people or events

    • Use phrases like ‘similarly’ or 'whereas' to compare the two developments or events directly

    • Evidence must be from the time periods outlined in the question

  • E- Explain the question (SOC)

    • Focus on the key demands of the questions 

    • Explain why they are different or similar

• There are four marks available for this question:

  • 2 marks for your analysis of a similarity or difference between the two given time periods (SOC)

  • 2 marks for specific knowledge of each time period (K)

Worked example of a "Explain one way" question