Do you need to quote other historians in exams?

In most A Level mark schemes, this is not a requirement.

Examiners are looking for you to demonstrate your understanding of key historical concepts and ideas, show that you understand the significance of a question (it was asked for a reason), show the ability to explain and analyse those ideas in relation to the question (rather than just narrate or describe), develop your ideas within the essay and write a clearly structured argument which follows for the reader.

None of these requirements demand that you unthinkingly parrott other historians.

However, depending on how you learn, associating key ideas or arguments with particular historians or groups of historians can help you remember the core parts of your course. Also, it is an easy way to show historical knowledge.

Ultimately, if you learn in a way that suits memorising other historians's quotes, then it can be very helpful. But it's not required.

CM
Answered by Colm M. History tutor

7058 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

How far was the acquisition of the Suez Canal a turning point for British policy towards Empire from 1763-1914?


To what extent was the First Crusade motivated more by religion, or other factors?


What do I have to do to get top marks in a long essay question?


Why did the Conservative Governments dominate politically in the 1950s


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning