INTRODUCTION

What is history?
History is the study of past events in the human existence. In the subject of History, you
should be able to present a version of events as you think they occurred. It is important to note
the emphasis on version because as you continue to study this subject, you will realise that
History is subjective.

Yes, certain facts are indisputable; names of people, dates, etc. Still, no one sees events unfold
in exactly the same way. Ultimately, by the time you reach IGCSE, you will be expected to:
1. Present an argument of how YOU see events occurred and
2. Substantiate why you think said events happened that way.

Why do we study History?

 What do you think this quote by George Santayana from 1905 means?
 Do you think that events that happened in the past could recur?
 If so why? If not why not?

TASK: Present your argument in an essay (20 – 30 words).

Essay Heading: Why Do We Study History?
How do you study History?
To do well in History, you need a good knowledge of the main events in detail. That means you
should be able to explain key content clearly and meticulously. Therefore, the manner in which
you study History is important.

Since you need to know how to present an argument of how you see events, you also need to be
able to investigate issues plus establish relationships between topics, e.g. an example of a
simple relationship between World War I and World War II is Germany, the country.

1. USING SOURCES
Using sources is important because they help you to remember key events, key dates and key
people to substantiate your arguments. Sources come from what real people said, did, wrote,
sang, watched on film, laughed about, cried over and got upset about.

Sources can help you understand the story better and remember it. They help you see the big
concepts and ideas in terms of what they meant to the individuals at the time. Look at the
cartoon below representing a quote from an interview Einstein had with a journalist in 1929
after the end World War I at the end of 1918.

TASK: Present your argument in an essay (20 – 30 words).

Essay Heading: Why I Think Sources Are Important?
 2. USING DIAGRAMS AND TIMELINES
These help you to visualize, understand and remember topics. You are encouraged to draw your
own diagrams. That is an even better way to learn.

3. USING A GLOSSARY OF KEYWORDS

Every subject and topic in History has its own vocabulary. If you do not know what these words
mean, you will not be able to write about the subject. This vocabulary comprises of the kinds of
words or terms that could be used in sources or an exam question without any explanation.

Therefore, you need to be able to understand them and use them confidently in your writing.
You are encouraged to create your own glossary of keywords at the back of your book.

4. USING A SUMMARY
After finishing a topic, it is a good idea to condense all the content into a few points. This will
help you simplify the story even when a story is complicated such as World War I.