While analysing sources, how can I make my answers more nuanced and less predictable?

It's difficult to make the jump between a predictable, structured answer to a more cohesive and fluent answer. A fantastic way to overcome a mechanical answer to your source analysis is to incorporate context to quantify how significant certain revelations are to a historian. For example, instead of approaching the source analysis like this:The source is significant because...The author reveals X,The content reveals X,The intent reveals X,Conclusion you could approach your source as such: The source is significant because... The author reveals X, which is even more significant considering Y (context) The content reveals X, which is even more significant considering Y (context)The intent reveals X, which is even more significant considering Y (context)Conclusion. By quantifying the extent to which the source is significant (or valuable / important, depending on the question), you create a richer, more in-depth analysis of the source and how it applies to the grander scheme of historical study.



RE
Answered by Rhys E. History tutor

1971 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I know whether my controlled assessment has a strong enough argument?


What are some techniques to remember dates?


How do I remeber the specific elements of a treaty?


How do I write a source based question?


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