History GCSE
Contextual knowledge
What Contextual knowledge means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Contextual knowledge
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Contextual knowledge in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Broader knowledge of the period and issue to which a framed question is linked.
Topics that use Contextual knowledge
- Option 10: The historic environment - 2 Knowledge, selection and use of sources for historical enquiries (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Evidence selection
- Government and law enforcement
- Historical enquiry
- Provenance (Nature, Origin, Purpose)
- Public opinion and the press
- Satire and visual evidence
- Source evaluation
- Open-ended questions
Using Contextual knowledge in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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