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GCSE History · GCSEChapter 6 · Significance and writing 'how far' answers
GCSE · Chapter 6

Significance and writing 'how far' answers

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Say why an event or person was significant, in its time and later
  • Plan a how far answer with at least two factors and a counter-argument
  • Write a paragraph that makes one point, supports it and links it to the question
  • Reach a judgement that is supported, not just stated

You should already know

  • Causation, consequences and change (Chapters 3 to 5)
  • Interpretations (Chapter 2)

Where this leads

  • Putting the skills together (Chapter 14)
  • Period studies (Chapters 7 to 13)

GCSE History. Content follows the GCSE (9-1) subject content for England (Edexcel and AQA). Content references: Explain significance: importance in its own time and in its effect on later times, Use criteria to judge significance, and say which criterion is used, Structure a how far answer: argument, factors, counter-argument and judgement, Plan, paragraph and link each paragraph to the question, avoiding narrative.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word for a change that alters the direction of later events. Two words.
2
FWrite the word for the criterion that asks whether a cause was needed for the event. The word starts with n.
3
FWrite the word for an effect that comes after an event. The word starts with c.
4
FWrite the word for the view a historian holds because of background or values. The word starts with p.
5
FWrite the year of the Great Fire of London. Write the year.
6.1

Significance: in its own time and for later times

GCSE
Explain significance: importance in its own time and in its effect on later times
Video lesson: Significance: in its own time and for later timesComing soon
Context. A question might ask “How significant was the Peasants’ Revolt?” To answer, you must say why it mattered at the time, and why it mattered later. Those are two kinds of significance.

An event is significant if it was important. Historians judge significance in two ways. Significance in its own time is how much it mattered to the people who lived through it. Long-term significance is how much it affected later events, such as a turning point or a lasting change.

To judge, use a criterion: a standard, such as how far it changed things, how many were affected, or how long its effects lasted. Say which criterion you are using.

Key ideas

  • Significance in its own time: how much it mattered to people at the time.
  • Long-term significance: how much it changed later events.
  • Criteria: how far it changed things, how many were affected, how long it lasted.
  • Always name the criterion you use.
Worked example 6.1.1
The Peasants’ Revolt was crushed within weeks in 1381. Give one reason it was still significant in its own time. Accept any answer that says it frightened the government and showed the anger of ordinary people.

Method. Think about what it meant to people at the time.

  1. Think. The revolt frightened the government and showed how angry ordinary people were.
    frightened government
  2. Name the significance. So it mattered at the time because it showed the anger of ordinary people.
    anger shown
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any answer that says it frightened the government and showed the anger of ordinary people.

Check. Check fact: confirm the details in your textbook.

Worked example 6.1.2
Give one reason the Great Fire of London was significant for later times. Accept any answer that says the rebuilding changed the shape and building materials of London.

Method. Think about what lasted after the fire.

  1. Think. The rebuilding changed how London was built for many years.
    changed building
  2. Name it. So the fire had long-term significance.
    long-term
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any answer that says the rebuilding changed the shape and building materials of London.

Check. Check fact: confirm the rebuilding rules in your textbook.

Worked example 6.1.3
Which criterion asks how many people an event affected? Write the word.

Method. Recall the criterion.

  1. Recall. A criterion about the number of people affected is wide in effect.
    wide in effect
  2. Check. The criterion counts how many people were affected.
    many people
  3. Write the answer.
    wide

Check. Wide in effect is one of the common criteria.

Watch out

Watch out: “it was significant because it was famous” is not a criterion. Name the standard you are using.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Start a significance paragraph with the criterion: “Using the criterion of…, the event was significant because…”.

Exercise 6A  Significance: in its own time and for later times

1
FWrite the word for importance in its own time, judged by how much it mattered to people who lived through it. The word starts with s.
2
FWrite the words for significance judged by how much an event affected later events. Two words.
3
FWhich criterion asks how long an event’s effects lasted? Write the word.
4
FWhich criterion asks whether an event changed the direction of later events? Write the words.
5
FIn what year was the Peasants’ Revolt? Write the year.
6
PSGive one reason the Great Fire was significant in its own time. Accept any answer that says it destroyed much of the city and displaced many people.
7
PSGive one reason the Peasants’ Revolt was significant for later times. Accept any answer that says it showed the power of protest and the limits of royal promises.
8
FWrite the word for the standard you use to judge importance, such as how far it changed things or how many were affected. The word starts with c.
9
RA historian says an event was significant because it was famous. Is this a criterion? Write yes or no.
10
RExplain in one sentence why an event can be significant in its own time but not for later times. Accept any sentence that says it may matter to people at the time without changing later events.
11
RWrite one sentence giving a significance judgement on the Great Fire, using one criterion. Accept any sentence that names a criterion and a reason.
6.2

The shape of a how far answer

GCSE
Structure a how far answer: argument, factors, counter-argument and judgement
Video lesson: The shape of a how far answerComing soon
Context. A “how far” question asks you to weigh factors against each other. “How far was the trigger responsible for the revolt?” You must argue for one view, consider another, and reach a judgement.
PartWhat it doesExample from the Peasants’ Revolt
ArgumentStates your view in one sentenceThe poll taxes were a major cause, but not the only one.
Factor 1One reason that supports the view, with evidenceThe poll taxes raised anger across the country.
Factor 2Another reason, with a different kind of evidenceThe labour shortage after the Black Death built up grievances.
Counter-argumentA reason that goes against your viewThe labour shortage was older, so it mattered more than the tax.
JudgementYour final conclusion, weighed against the counter-argumentThe tax was the trigger, but the long-term causes made the revolt possible.

The judgement is not a list. It weighs the factors, says which is more important, and explains why. Use words such as however, on balance and overall to show that you are weighing.

Key ideas

  • A how far answer: argument, factors, counter-argument, judgement.
  • Each factor needs evidence and a link back to the question.
  • The counter-argument must be real: it must argue against your view.
  • The judgement weighs, and says why one factor matters more.
Worked example 6.2.1
In a how far answer, what is the job of the counter-argument? Accept any answer that says it argues against the main view, so the judgement can weigh both sides.

Method. Think about the role of each part.

  1. Think. The counter-argument presents a view that goes against the argument.
    against the view
  2. Decide. So the judgement can weigh the two sides.
    weigh
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any answer that says it argues against the main view, so the judgement can weigh both sides.

Check. Without a counter-argument, the answer is only a description.

Worked example 6.2.2
Name the part of a how far answer that gives your final conclusion. Write the word.

Method. Recall the parts.

  1. Recall. The final conclusion is the judgement.
    judgement
  2. Check. It is the paragraph that weighs the factors.
    weighs
  3. Write the answer.
    judgement

Check. The judgement weighs the factors.

Worked example 6.2.3
In a how far answer on the Peasants’ Revolt, name one factor that supports the argument that the poll taxes were a major cause. Accept any answer that says the taxes raised anger across the country.

Method. Give a factor with evidence.

  1. Factor. The taxes raised anger across the country.
    anger
  2. Evidence. The poll tax was collected in 1380 and 1381, so people felt it repeatedly.
    repeatedly
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any answer that says the taxes raised anger across the country.

Check. Check fact: confirm the tax dates in your textbook.

Watch out

Watch out: a counter-argument that is only a weak sentence is not a counter-argument. Make it argue against your view with a reason.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Write the argument first, then the factors, the counter-argument, and a judgement that weighs both.

Exercise 6B  The shape of a how far answer

1
FWrite the word for the part of a how far answer that gives the final conclusion. One word.
2
FWrite the word for the part that argues against your view. Two words.
3
FWrite one word that signals weighing in a judgement: however, because or and. Write the word.
4
FIn a how far answer, the argument is stated in how many sentences? Write the number. Accept one.
5
PSFor the Peasants’ Revolt: write one factor that supports the argument that the labour shortage mattered. Accept any answer that says the shortage raised wages and built grievances.
6
PSFor the Peasants’ Revolt: write one counter-argument that goes against the view that the poll tax was the main cause. Accept any answer that says the labour shortage had built up for years before the tax.
7
FWrite the word for a sentence that gives the judgement after weighing two sides. Use one word: however, overall or because. Write the word.
8
RWhich part of a how far answer is most likely to be missing in a narrative answer? Write the word.
9
RExplain in one sentence why a judgement should weigh the factors, not just list them. Accept any sentence that says weighing shows which factor mattered most and why.
10
RWrite one sentence that states an argument for the question “How far was the Great Fire a turning point for London?” Accept any sentence that states a clear view with a reason.
6.3

Planning and paragraphing

GCSE
Plan, paragraph and link each paragraph to the question, avoiding narrative
Video lesson: Planning and paragraphingComing soon
Context. Good how far answers are planned before they are written. A plan lists the argument, the factors, the counter-argument and the judgement, so that each paragraph has one job.

A paragraph should make one point, support it with evidence, and link back to the question. A useful pattern is: point, evidence, explanation, link. The first sentence of each paragraph is the topic sentence.

ParagraphJobExample
1Argument: your viewThe poll taxes were the main trigger, but not the only cause.
2Factor 1 with evidenceThe labour shortage after the Black Death raised wages.
3Factor 2 with evidenceThe poll taxes angered people across the country.
4Counter-argumentThe labour shortage was older, so it mattered more.
5JudgementOn balance, the tax was the trigger, but the shortage made it possible.

Key ideas

  • One point per paragraph.
  • Point, evidence, explanation, link to the question.
  • The plan has one job per paragraph.
  • The judgement comes last, and it must weigh.
Worked example 6.3.1
Write a topic sentence for paragraph 2 of the plan above, about the labour shortage. Accept any sentence that states the labour shortage as a factor that raised wages or built grievances.

Method. Start with the point.

  1. Point. The labour shortage after the Black Death was a major factor.
    major factor
  2. Detail. It raised wages, which the government tried to fix.
    raised wages
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any sentence that states the labour shortage as a factor that raised wages or built grievances.

Check. The topic sentence is the point; the rest is evidence.

Worked example 6.3.2
Name the four parts of a paragraph in the pattern given in this section. Accept point, evidence, explanation and link.

Method. Recall the pattern.

  1. Recall. The pattern is point, evidence, explanation and link to the question.
    point, evidence, explanation, link
  2. Check. Each paragraph follows this order.
    order
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept point, evidence, explanation and link.

Check. Each paragraph should follow the pattern.

Worked example 6.3.3
Which paragraph of the plan should contain the judgement? Write the number.

Method. Look at the order of the plan.

  1. Look. The judgement is the last paragraph of the plan.
    last
  2. Decide. So it is paragraph 5.
    5
  3. Write the answer.
    5

Check. The judgement comes last.

Watch out

Watch out: a paragraph with two points loses marks for focus. Split it, or choose one point and move the other to another paragraph.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Spend a few minutes on the plan. A plan that is clear saves time and keeps the answer focused.

Exercise 6C  Planning and paragraphing

1
FWrite the word for the first sentence of a paragraph, which states its point. The word starts with t.
2
FWrite the word for the sentence that connects the paragraph back to the question. Accept link.
3
FIn the plan above, which paragraph gives the counter-argument? Write the number.
4
FHow many points should one paragraph make? Write the number.
5
PSWrite a topic sentence for a paragraph on the poll taxes as a factor. Accept any sentence that says the poll taxes angered people across the country.
6
FWrite the word for the part of the paragraph that uses a fact to support its point. The word starts with e.
7
PSFor paragraph 3 of the plan, write one piece of evidence for the poll taxes. Accept any answer that says the tax was collected in 1380 and 1381.
8
FWhich paragraph of a plan should present the view the answer goes against? Write the word.
9
RExplain in one sentence why a plan should be written before the answer. Accept any sentence that says it gives each paragraph one job and keeps the answer focused.
10
RWrite a link sentence for the end of the factor paragraph about the labour shortage. Accept any sentence that says the shortage was a factor in making the revolt likely.
6.4

Avoiding narrative and making a sustained judgement

GCSE
Plan, paragraph and link each paragraph to the question, avoiding narrative
Video lesson: Avoiding narrative and making a sustained judgementComing soon
Context. An answer that tells the story of the event will lose marks. The examiner wants an argument: why something was true or important, and how far it was so, compared with other factors.

Narrative tells what happened in order. Analysis explains why it happened, what it caused, and how much it mattered. A good answer uses short narrative only to support an argument, and then explains it.

A sustained judgement runs through the whole answer: the argument is stated at the start, supported in each paragraph, and concluded at the end.

Key ideas

  • Narrative tells what happened; analysis explains why it mattered.
  • Use narrative only to support a point.
  • A sustained judgement runs from the first sentence to the last.
  • End with a judgement, not a summary.
Worked example 6.4.1
Which of these is analysis rather than narrative? Write A or B: (A) On 14 June 1381 the rebels met the king at Mile End. (B) The king’s promises at Mile End show why the government was afraid. Write A or B.

Method. Ask which one explains rather than tells.

  1. Look at A. A tells what happened on a date.
    narrative
  2. Look at B. B explains what the event shows about the government.
    analysis
  3. Write the answer.
    B

Check. Check fact: confirm the details of Mile End in your textbook.

Worked example 6.4.2
Name the part of an answer where a sustained judgement is stated first. Write the word.

Method. Recall the structure.

  1. Recall. The argument is stated at the start, and the judgement at the end.
    argument at the start
  2. Check. The judgement then concludes the sustained argument.
    concludes
  3. Write the answer.
    argument

Check. The sustained judgement runs from the argument to the judgement.

Worked example 6.4.3
Rewrite as analysis: “The rebels marched on London.” Accept any answer that adds why it mattered, for example that it showed how far the anger had spread.

Method. Add the explanation.

  1. Add. Add why the march mattered for the government and the anger behind it.
    why it mattered
  2. Result. The march showed how far the anger had spread across the country.
    spread
  3. Write the answer.
    Accept any answer that adds why it mattered, for example that it showed how far the anger had spread.

Check. Check fact: confirm the details in your textbook.

Watch out

Watch out: a summary at the end is not a judgement. “In conclusion, there were many causes” does not weigh them.

Exam tip

Exam tip. Check each paragraph: does it argue, does it link to the question? If not, rewrite it before you move on.

Exercise 6D  Avoiding narrative and making a sustained judgement

1
FIs “the rebels marched to London in June 1381” narrative or analysis? Write the word.
2
FIs “the march showed how far the anger had spread” narrative or analysis? Write the word.
3
FWrite the word for the telling of what happened in order. The word starts with n.
4
FWrite the word for a judgement that runs through the whole answer. Two words, starting with s.
5
PSRewrite “There were many causes” as an analysis sentence with a judgement. Accept any sentence that names one cause as the most important and gives a reason.
6
RWhich is the better ending for a how far answer: “In conclusion, there were many causes.” or “On balance, the trigger mattered most, because it set off the revolt.” Write the letter of the better ending: X or Y. X is the first sentence, Y is the second.
7
FWrite one word that signals weighing a factor against another. Use however, first or then. Write the word.
8
RExplain in one sentence why narrative alone scores poorly in a how far answer. Accept any sentence that says it describes events without arguing a view.
9
RWrite one sentence that links the Great Fire’s rebuilding to the question “How far was the fire significant for London?”. Accept any sentence linking the rebuilding to long-term significance.
10
RIs a judgement that only repeats the argument a sustained judgement? Write yes or no.
11
RWrite a sentence that uses one piece of narrative as support for an analytical point about the revolt. Accept any sentence that gives a brief event and explains what it shows.
12
FWrite the word for the sentence that states your view at the start of an answer. One word.
13
RIs a sentence that only repeats the question a judgement? Write yes or no.
14
FWrite one word for a sentence that explains why something mattered, as opposed to telling what happened. Write the word.
15
FWrite one word for the part of a paragraph that connects it back to the question. Write the word.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
SignificanceIn its own time and for later times; name a criterion
How far answerArgument, factors, counter-argument, judgement
ParagraphsOne point, evidence, explanation, link to the question
NarrativeUse briefly to support analysis; never as the whole answer
Sustained judgementStated at the start, supported throughout, concluded at the end

Can you…?

  • I can explain significance in its own time and for later times.
  • I can name a criterion and apply it.
  • I can plan a how far answer with an argument, factors, a counter-argument and a judgement.
  • I can write paragraphs with one point, evidence and a link to the question.
  • I can avoid narrative and make a sustained judgement.

Key terms

significance
the importance of an event, in its own time or in its effect on later times
criterion
a standard used to judge importance
how far
a question that asks you to judge the extent of something
counter-argument
a point that goes against the main argument
judgement
a conclusion that weighs the factors and says which mattered most
narrative
telling what happened in order, without explaining why it mattered
analysis
explaining why something happened or mattered
sustained judgement
a judgement that runs through the whole answer

Exercise 6Z  Check-up

1
Write the word for the criterion that asks whether an event changed the direction of later events. Two words.
2
Which part of a how far answer weighs the factors and gives a conclusion? Write the word.
3
Which part argues against the main view? Write the two words.
4
Name the four parts of a paragraph, in order. Accept point, evidence, explanation and link.
5
Is “the rebels met the king at Mile End in June 1381” narrative or analysis? Write the word.
6
Write the word that signals weighing a factor against another. One word.
7
Write one word for an event’s importance in its own time or later. Write the word.
8
In which year did the Great Fire of London begin? Write the year.
9
Give one reason a counter-argument is needed in a how far answer. Accept any answer that says it lets the judgement weigh both sides.
10
Write one sentence that states an argument for “How far was the Peasants’ Revolt a turning point?” Accept any sentence with a clear view and a reason.

Total 23 marks. Allow about 23 minutes.

Exercise 6X  Exam-style questions

1
RExplain what is meant by significance in its own time, using the Peasants’ Revolt as an example. Accept any answer that says it is how much the event mattered to people at the time, with the revolt as an example.[2 marks]
2
RName a criterion for judging significance and use it to say why the Great Fire of London was significant for later times. Accept any answer that names a criterion (such as long-lasting or turning point) and a long-term effect on London.[2 marks]
3
PSWrite a topic sentence for a how far paragraph arguing that the poll taxes were the main trigger of the Peasants’ Revolt. Accept any sentence that states the poll taxes as the main trigger.[1 mark]
4
RWrite a counter-argument to the view that the poll taxes were the main cause of the Peasants’ Revolt. Accept any answer that says the labour shortage after the Black Death had built up for years before the tax.[2 marks]
5
RIn one sentence, explain why narrative alone is not enough in a how far answer. Accept any sentence that says narrative describes events without arguing a view or answering the question.[2 marks]
6
RGive a plan of five paragraphs for the question “How far was the Peasants’ Revolt caused by the poll tax?”. Write one job for each paragraph. Accept any plan with an argument, two factors, a counter-argument and a judgement, each with a job.[3 marks]
7
RExplain how a sustained judgement differs from a summary at the end of an answer. Accept any answer that says a sustained judgement runs through the whole answer and weighs factors, while a summary only repeats points.[3 marks]
8
RRewrite the narrative sentence “The rebels marched on London” as analysis, explaining why the march mattered. Accept any answer that adds the significance of the march, such as showing how far the anger had spread or forcing the king to meet the rebels.[3 marks]
9
RHow far was the Great Fire of London a turning point for London? Give a judgement with one criterion, a counter-argument and a conclusion. Accept any answer that makes a clear judgement, uses one criterion, includes a counter-argument, and weighs the two.[5 marks]
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