How can I answer the HAT test when I haven't studied the topic that will come up?

(1) Don't panic! The HAT test is designed to test historical skills, not historical knowledge. The examiners will have tried to select a source from material that is not covered by any A-Level or alternative syllabuses. This means the majority of students won't have studied the period being asked about- not just you!(2) Be Creative: Having not studied the topic can actually turn out to be an advantage as it will force you to focus on the source itself and think outside of the box. Two of the main criteria that examiners say they will be looking out for are 'historical imagination' and 'originality' so be brave and run with your exciting ideas.(3) Read critically: Read the question, read it again, and read it once more to be sure! Underline key words such as 'extent' 'contrast' to ensure your essay is directly answering what the examiners want you to. Do the same with the source, underlining interesting words or particularly important sections as you first read it through, then go back and re-read it to think of alternative meanings that the author may have intended.(4) Remember your skills: From 2018 onwards the HAT test will only consist of one question based on a source extract. You will have practiced source analysis at school already so remember to apply all that you know! Use the provenance to think about the validity and reliability of the source, consider why the author chose the genre of letter/article/drawing etc., talk about the language used and how it effects the tone. And be concise by supporting all of this with evidence.(5) Plan!! You will have one hour for one question; 15 minutes of this should be used for planning to keep you on track throughout- don't underestimate the importance of this part of the exam!And the best way to gain confidence in all of this- practice! Although there is currently no sample paper available for the new format, the questions will be similar the part 3 questions in past papers. Read them, annotate sources, plan essays, write some under timed conditions and get feedback.