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9489_s26_qp_43.pdf
This is the official Cambridge AS & A Level History (9489) Question Paper 4 (Variant 3) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.
Also referenced as: 9489_s26_qp_43 · 9489/43/m/j/26 qp · 9489/43 May/June 2026 qp
Paper 4: Depth Study — This is Paper 4: Depth Study, worth 60 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. 30 marks per question (answer two from one section — Europe, USA, or International — for 60 marks total). Requires a focused, analytical essay that directly answers the specific question — not a pre-prepared essay on the general topic.
To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (9489_s26_ms_43). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.
The most effective way to use this History question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in History (9489).
Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.
History (9489) Question Paper 4 (Variant 3) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.
Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)
Writing a prepared essay instead of answering the specific question
How to fix: Read the exact wording of the question. A question about 'economic factors' requires analysis of economic factors specifically — not a general essay about the topic that happens to mention economics. Plan your answer around the question's precise focus, and ensure every paragraph directly addresses what is being asked.
History Exam Guide: How to Score Higher
Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 3 official Cambridge documents
