2147_s26_gt — 2026 May-June History 2147 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE O Level

Writing descriptive narratives instead of explaining WHY events happened in part (b) questions

“Most (b) questions ask 'why' a particular event happened, so it is important that candidates direct their response to address the reasons, rather than provide a description of what happened.”— 2147 Paper 12, May/June 2023

How to fix: For every part (b), start each paragraph with 'One reason why... was...' then explain HOW that reason led to the event. Never narrate what happened — always explain WHY it happened. Each paragraph should contain a reason + supporting factual detail + a sentence linking it back to the question.

One-sided arguments in part (c) — only arguing for or against the question's focus

“Less successful responses often focused only on one side of the argument. These answers could be improved by including more contextual examples on both sides of the argument to produce a balanced response.”— 2147 Paper 12, May/June 2023

How to fix: Always plan BOTH sides before writing. Structure as: 2-3 paragraphs arguing FOR the statement with explained evidence, then 2-3 paragraphs arguing AGAINST with explained evidence, then a conclusion that weighs both sides. Your conclusion must explain WHICH side is stronger and WHY — not just assert a position.

Summarising sources separately instead of comparing them point by point

“It is important that candidates adopt a point-by-point approach to comparisons, and do not just summarise each source in turn.”— 2147 Paper 22, May/June 2023

How to fix: Never write about Source A in full, then Source B in full. Instead: identify a theme, then state what Source A says about it AND what Source B says about the same theme in the same paragraph. Use linking phrases like 'Both sources agree that...' or 'Source A says X, whereas Source B disagrees by saying Y.'