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

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

01 How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about the American economy in

the 1920s?

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 the American economy did really well in the

1920s a result of the craze for buying shares. Whereas Interpretation B says

that the growth was short term because beneath the surface, there were

hidden problems with the economy in the 1920s.

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 A says that everyone was spending money and

making money in the 1920s whereas Interpretation B says that people stopped

buying things and that farmers did not make money.

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

How to answer it

AQA GCSE History Study Guide: Interpreting the 1920s US Economy

Question 01 • 4 Marks • AO4 (Analysing Interpretations)

What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to analyse individual historical interpretations (AO4a) and explain how two interpretations of the same historical period differ from one another (AO4b). You must base your answer strictly on what is written or implied in Interpretations A and B—do not bring in outside historical knowledge or try to judge whether the interpretations are true or false.

Exam Breakdown & Structure

How to score 4/4 marks

🧠 Exam Technique

Direct Contrast: Start immediately by stating the main difference (e.g., "Interpretation A suggests..., whereas Interpretation B argues...").
Quote & Paraphrase: Support your point with brief, direct quotes or close references from both passages.
Keep it Concise: You only need 5 to 7 sentences for a 4-mark question. Do not waste time writing a lengthy introduction or conclusion.
No Context Needed: Do not explain why the authors are right or wrong using your own knowledge of the 1920s boom.

✅ What Top-Level Responses Look Like (Level 2: 3–4 Marks)

A top-level answer explicitly pairs up points of disagreement from both sources with developed reasoning:

"Interpretation A suggests that the American economy experienced massive, positive growth driven by a craze for consumer spending and share buying. In contrast, Interpretation B argues that this economic growth was superficial and short-term, claiming that beneath the surface there were hidden structural problems and weaknesses."

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Bringing in own knowledge: Writing paragraphs about Ford, mass production, or the Wall Street Crash instead of focusing on the text.
Describing only one source: Writing all about Interpretation A and forgetting to compare it to Interpretation B.
Evaluating truth: Arguing about which interpretation is more accurate or reliable (reliability is not tested here).
Vague comparison: Saying "they are different because one is positive and one is negative" without quoting or referencing specific details from the texts.

💡 Key Knowledge & Mark Scheme Guidance

Level 1 (1–2 marks): Simple identification of features from the text (e.g., "Source A says people made money, Source B says farmers didn't").
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Developed analysis explaining the core difference in tone or message between the two interpretations based on their content.
Focus Area: The 1920s American economy (Boom, consumerism, underlying weaknesses/poverty in sectors like agriculture).

Topics

Paper 1 AD America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality · Part one: American people and the 'Boom'