IGCSE History
Cambridge IGCSE History examines 19th- and 20th-century international relations and a depth study, developing source analysis and historical argument.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
58%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 30 minutes across 3 components
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Structured Essays | 2 hours | Core + depth study essays | 40% |
| Paper 2 — Source Analysis | 2 hours | Source-based questions | 32% |
| Paper 4 — Coursework or Alternative | 1 hour | Depth study assignment | 28% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
For source questions, always analyze origin, purpose, and audience — not just content.
- 2
Make timelines for each period and quiz yourself on causes and consequences of key turning points.
- 3
Organize your knowledge by themes (politics, economy, society, foreign policy), not just chronology.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of International Relations 1919–1939, giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of The Cold War, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Depth Study (e.g. Germany 1918–45) was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
- ✕
Ignoring the command word — "evaluate" demands a judgement, not a description.
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE History — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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