What is Nature/Origin and Purpose?

An analysis of Nature, Origin and Purpose (NOP) is a key part of exam technique in History GCSE, and it involves looking into the context of sources to gain a deeper understanding. The nature of the source is simply the form it takes - whether a newspaper article, a letter or a diary entry. The origin of the source asks when the source was produced and who by, and the purpose of the source asks why it was produced, and whether it gives a particular message.By including your understanding of NOP in your answers, you demonstrate historical skills which are key to a really well written answer.

IW
Answered by Issy W. History tutor

118486 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are some of the key reasons for Hitlers rise to power?


How can I successfully answer an essay question which asks me to analyse the effect of various factors on a particular outcome? (E.g. How different events contributed to causing WW2)


Was Charles I trying to create ‘absolutism’ during the Personal Rule?


What was the turning point in the African-American Civil Rights Movement?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning