The document provides guidance on how to answer different types of source-based questions in history exams. It explains that for each question type, you should summarize the content and context of the source, comment on what it suggests about the event or person in question, and challenge or compare it using your own knowledge if needed. The document then lists different question types and provides templates for how to structure your analysis and response for each type, focusing on extracting relevant details from the source and evaluating it in a structured manner.

1. What can we learn from the source? Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what information does the source give us about the
event, person, or time?
Challenge: what information does the source not give us about
the event, person or time (Need to use won knowledge)
What does the source suggest about a
person/event?
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what does the source suggest about the event/person
– use quotes as evidence.
Challenge: Then use own knowledge to say whether this
impression is correct. If not explain why they have this view
(Bias/time/purpose etc)
Whether (and how far) a source is useful for an
enquiry.
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: is the source useful/does it tell you about the event,
person or time? If the information is incorrect, try and explain
why (Bias/time/purpose etc)
Remember: all sources are useful in some way! Even if the
info is wrong it can tell us about the stereotypes of the time, but
say that you need to be careful using it as evidence
Whether a source is reliable for an enquiry. In this type of question you need to explain whether or not you
can trust a source.
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what does the source suggest about the event, time,
British Depth Study source questions guide

2. or person? Use your own knowledge to say whether this is
accurate or not. If not try and explain why the creator is wrong
(Bias/time/purpose etc)
What is the message of the cartoon Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what is the source trying to suggest about the time,
person or event? (use features of the source to explain how you
have come to this conclusion)use own knowledge to help explain
what the creator is referring to.
What the purpose of a source is/ why was this
source produced?
Are you surprised by the source?
In this type of question you need to explain why a source was
made.
The crucial thing here is not to stop at explaining the message of
the source. Make sure you go on and explain its purpose. In
other words, what impact was it designed to have on people’s
thoughts or actions.
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: why was the source made – what is it trying to get
you to think?
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what does the source suggest? Are you surprised by
this (Think about whether it goes against your own knowledge of
the time/person, or incident. If it does then look at bias, time,
purpose of source)

3. How similar are these two sources are.
Does source X prove that source Y is wrong?
Which of the sources gives a more accurate view
of….?
In this type of question you need to use specific evidence to
prove that the sources are similar and then explain how they
also differ.
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 1 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what does the source suggest
Do the same for the other source
Compare: do the sources suggest the same things or different
things? (Often some bits will be the same and some bits will be
different) Use quotes from sources to prove your point. Then
Say which own is the correct view using your own knowledge to
explain
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 2 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment: what does source X suggest?
Do the same for the other source
Compare: explain how the two sources are different/similar –
then refer to which one is more accurate/believable (use Own
knowledge and also look at the bias, purpose, time of the two
sources)
Content: takes quotes from source/features from image - 1 of
these
Context: refer to when it was made, by whom, is there an
expected bias? What was going on at the time.
Comment:what does the source suggest?

4. Do the same for the second source
Compare: which source is more accurate – use own knowledge to
prove this. Then say why one is not accurate (look at bias, purpose, or
time)
How far the sources support a particular viewpoint
or opinion.
This is a two-sided mini essay. You need to write at least four
paragraphs:
1. A brief introduction.
2. A paragraph which explain which sources support the
statement, using evidence from the sources to prove
this (at least two sources needed).
3. A paragraph explaining which sources disagree with
the statement, using evidence from the sources to
prove this (at least 2 sources needed).
4. A conclusion in which you say overall do majority
agree/disagree with statement. Then decide whether or
not you agree with the statement. Use your own
knowledge and the sources to support you argument –
look at which sources are more reliable/biased.