0470_s26_ms_42 2026 May-June History 0470 Mark Scheme 4 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0470_s26_ms_422026 May-June History 0470 Mark Scheme 4 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for History (0470) Mark Scheme 4 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0470_s26_ms_42 · 0470/42/m/j/26 ms · 0470/42 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework This is Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework, worth 40 marks with a duration of 1h. Depth study questions. Must stay within the chronological parameters of the question. Requires assessment of significance, not just description of events.

This mark scheme corresponds to 0470_s26_qp_42. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For History (0470), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

Studying History?

Every past paper on this site stays free. These are the worked answers and notes our specialists write on top of them.

Same paper, other years

History (0470) Mark Scheme 4 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework

Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

7

Straying outside the chronological parameters of the question

How to fix: Before writing, identify the exact time period in the question. Events outside this range earn zero marks. If a question covers 1933–1939, do not write about events from 1929 or 1941. Underline the dates in the question and check each paragraph stays within them.

8

Describing events instead of assessing their significance

How to fix: Paper 4 often asks about significance or importance. After describing an event, you must explain its IMPACT: what changed as a result? Why did it matter at the time? What were the short-term and long-term consequences? Use phrases like 'this was significant because', 'the impact of this was', 'this changed the situation by'.

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All History (0470) Papers — 2026 May-June

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More History (0470) Past Papers

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History Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 3 official Cambridge documents