How do I analyse a source?

Source Analysis questions are fairly simple for GCSE, they have an easy formula to follow. At only 6 marks for most of these questions there is an easy formula to follow. They will ask you to draw on your own knowledge and also what you can infer from the source. First: consider the question. What is it asking you to look for? Once you can determine this theme, you should be able to consider which parts of the source you should be looking at. Then ask if you agree or disagree with what the question is asking – this will shape the style of your answer. Each source analysis can be broken down into needing three instances of P.E.E.(Point, Evidence, Explain). A 6 mark question will want you to make three distinct points about the source. The first part of the analysis should be about the context/provenance of the source. What kind of source are we looking at? Is it an illustration? An extract from a textbook? Or part of a leader’s speech? How does the source affect the question you’re asking? The key issue you’ll be picking up on here is the bias of the source and who the source is directed at. back this up with an example of how the source does this, such as exaggerating a feature, then explain how this bias has an effect on the source. Next you’ll want to make a point that supports the question. Back this up with something from the source, such as a representation of the event. Then explain this by drawing on from knowledge of the surrounding events. Do the same for this in your next point, but make it a point that disagrees with the question. Both of these responses should provide a balance at the end, and clearly consider your own knowledge around the event in question Finally, you’ll want to conclude on your answer to the question. Consider your points in regards to the source, and how the ultimately have shaped your response to the question. What you should never do is bring in more points during your conclusion.