AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025: Question 1

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

01 How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about the

Provisional Government?

Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.

[4 marks]

The indicative content is designed to exemplify the qualities expected at each

level and is not a full exemplar answer. All historically relevant and valid

answers should be credited.

Target Analyse individual interpretations (AO4a)

Analyse how interpretations of a key feature of a period differ (AO4b)

Level 2: Developed analysis of interpretations to explain differences based on 3–4

their content

Students may progress from a simple analysis of interpretations with extended

reasoning to explain the differences.

For example, Interpretation A says that the Provisional Government had lost

the support of the people and the army as early as July 1917, which was

several months before the Bolshevik takeover. Whereas Interpretation B

credits Lenin and Trotsky as being personally responsible for the destruction of

the Provisional Government.

Level 1: Simple analysis of interpretation(s) to identify differences based on their 1–2

content

Students are likely to identify relevant features in each interpretation(s).

For example, Interpretation B says that the Provisional Government ended

because people supported the Bolsheviks whereas Interpretation A says the

Provisional Government ended because of failures in the First World War.

Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0

How to answer it

GCSE History Study Guide: Comparing Interpretations

AQA GCSE History • Question 01 • 4 Marks

What this question tests

This 4-mark question assesses your ability to analyse individual historical interpretations (AO4a) and explain how they differ regarding a key feature of the period, specifically the Provisional Government (AO4b). You do not need to evaluate which interpretation is more accurate or bring in outside knowledge—your sole focus is identifying and explaining differences based strictly on what is written in the texts.

Exam Breakdown & Structure

Question 01: How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A?

🧠 Exam Technique

Direct Comparison: Use comparative phrases right away (e.g., "Whilst Interpretation A suggests..., Interpretation B argues...").
Quote & Paraphrase: Support your points with brief, targeted quotes or clear references from both interpretations.
Keep it Focused: Do not waste time evaluating reliability or adding own knowledge. Stick exclusively to the differences in content.

💡 Key Knowledge (The Provisional Government)

Formed in March 1917 after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
Faced massive challenges, notably continuing involvement in World War I and severe domestic land/food shortages.
Overthrown by the Bolsheviks during the October Revolution in 1917.

✅ What a Top-Level (Level 2) Answer Looks Like

Level 2 (3–4 marks): Gives a developed analysis explaining differences using content from both interpretations.
Example difference: Interpretation A highlights the loss of popular and military support long before the Bolshevik takeover (e.g., July 1917), whereas Interpretation B places personal blame and responsibility for its destruction on the actions of individual leaders like Lenin and Trotsky.

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Parroting: Simply copying large chunks of text without explaining the difference.
Brought-in Knowledge: Writing paragraphs about what actually happened in 1917 instead of analysing what the texts actually say.
One-Sided Answers: Describing Interpretation A in detail and completely forgetting to mention Interpretation B.

Mark Scheme Scheme Guidance: Level 1 (1–2 marks) involves simple identification of differences (e.g., just spotting that they focus on different causes). Level 2 (3–4 marks) requires a developed analysis where the differences are clearly explained using the content of both sources.

Topics

Paper 1 AC Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism · Part two: Lenin's new society