The 2 Mark "Describe One Feature" Question (Edexcel GCSE History)

Summary of Question 1

• Question 1 requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of key features and characteristics of the period of history that you have studied

• This question has changed format since 2024

  • Previously, you were asked to explain two features of one event

  • Now, you have to explain one feature of two given events, separated into Question 1 (a) and Question 1 (b)

• 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 Anglo-Saxon and Norman history: 

"Describe one feature" question structure

• Your answer should consist of: 

  • A description of a key feature of the event, person or development outlined in the question

  • Specific and relevant knowledge

• Your answers could  be written in ID format:

  • I - Identify a key feature which is relevant to the question

  • D - Describe the key feature using a specific piece of knowledge

• To achieve full marks, you need to answer both Questions 1 (a) and 1 (b). The questions are on two different events

  • Each "Describe one feature" question is worth 2 marks

    • 1 mark for stating your key feature (1) 

    • 1 mark for knowledge about the feature (1) 

  • For answering both parts of Question 1, 4 marks are available

Worked example of a "Describe one feature" question