A-Level · AQA · History
AQA A-Level History (7042) revision for six breadth and depth studies
Past papers from 2017 to 2025 for two breadth studies and four depth studies, from the Tudors to modern Britain. Write your answer, get it marked against the AQA mark scheme with feedback, then rewrite it and compare it with a model answer.
What you'll study
The six AQA History options on Markaroo
Breadth study, examined through historians’ extracts and essays.
- 6 past papers
- 21 questions, each with a model answer
Breadth study, examined through historians’ extracts and essays.
- 7 past papers
- 28 questions, each with a model answer
Depth study, examined through primary sources and essays.
- 8 past papers
- 32 questions, each with a model answer
Depth study, examined through primary sources and essays.
- 4 past papers
- 13 questions, each with a model answer
Depth study, examined through primary sources and essays.
- 7 past papers
- 27 questions, each with a model answer
Depth study, examined through primary sources and essays.
- 7 past papers
- 24 questions, each with a model answer
Papers come from the June 2017, June 2018, November 2020, November 2021 and June 2022 to June 2025 series; not every option sat every series. Where AQA has removed a source from a published paper for copyright reasons, the Section A question that relies on it is held back, which is why some options have fewer questions. Markaroo covers only these six options. Other Component 1 and Component 2 options are not covered, and neither is Component 3, the historical investigation.
Teachers: if your school sits a different AQA History option, get in touch and tell us which one.
Assessment
How AQA History is examined
| Component | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Component 1: Breadth study (2 hr 30 min) | Section A: one compulsory 30-mark question evaluating three historians’ extracts. Section B: two 25-mark essays from a choice of three | 80 · 40% |
| Component 2: Depth study (2 hr 30 min) | Section A: one compulsory 30-mark question on the value of three primary sources. Section B: two 25-mark essays from a choice of three | 80 · 40% |
The remaining 20% of the A-Level is Component 3, the historical investigation (NEA), which Markaroo does not cover. Your written answers are marked against AQA’s mark scheme and level descriptors for that exact question, with feedback on what would move you up.
Markaroo is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Past papers are attempted and marked inside the app, not offered as downloads.
Questions
AQA History on Markaroo
Which AQA A-Level History (7042) options does Markaroo cover?
Six options. From Component 1, the breadth studies 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 and 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964. From Component 2, the depth studies 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660, 2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953, 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 and 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007. No other AQA History options are covered, and neither is Component 3, the historical investigation.
How is AQA A-Level History assessed?
Two exams and a piece of coursework. Component 1 (breadth study) and Component 2 (depth study) are each 2 hours 30 minutes, 80 marks and 40% of the A-Level. In Component 1, Section A is one compulsory 30-mark question evaluating three historians’ extracts and Section B is two 25-mark essays from a choice of three. In Component 2, Section A is one compulsory 30-mark question on the value of three primary sources and Section B is two 25-mark essays from a choice of three. Component 3, the historical investigation, is non-exam assessment worth 20%.
What kinds of question can I practise?
The questions from 39 AQA past papers across the six options, 145 questions in all, from the June 2017 to June 2025 series: the 30-mark extracts question for 1C and 1H, the 30-mark primary sources question for 2E, 2N, 2O and 2S, and the 25-mark essays for every option. Where AQA has removed a source from a published paper for copyright reasons, that Section A question is held back, so some options have fewer questions than others.
How does Markaroo mark History answers?
Your answer is marked against AQA’s mark scheme and level descriptors for that exact question, and you get a mark with feedback on what to improve. You can then rewrite your answer and have it marked again, and compare your work with the model answer for the question.
Is there a free plan for AQA History on Markaroo?
Yes. The free plan gives you your coach, your technique profile and a live predicted grade, 2 written answers marked free, and the first topic of every unit in revision notes and flashcards, including each note's quick-check quiz, which is always free and never uses up your allowance — no card required. Plus unlocks everything from £6.99 a month (add more subjects for £5 each, with a 7-day free trial): unlimited questions and AI essay marking, every topic, all model answers and the rewrite loop.
I'm studying a different AQA History option. Is that covered?
Not yet. AQA History on Markaroo currently covers 1C, 1H, 2E, 2N, 2O and 2S only. If your school sits a different breadth or depth study, the questions, notes and flashcards here will not match your papers. Teachers can email parth@markaroo.co.uk to request the option their school teaches.