How to storm your history exam

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Subject: GCSE History
Last updated: 31/10/2011
Tags: exam tips, history, revision, structured learning
GCSE History

The key to exam success is preparation. There is no way around this. But the way that you prepare could be the difference between the B you were heading for and the A you want. 

There are many different revision techniques. I wanted to share one with you. It's specific to History but can be easily tailored to suit any other core subject. 

It uses an acrostic to order your thinking and colour coding to ensure both sides of the brain are working at any one time. 

The key word is FRISPIEC. It's a nonsense word but it's easy to remember. It will marshall your arguments. It will make your essay stand out for having a persuasive argument. Here is how it works:

F - foreign

R - religious

I - ideological

S - social

P - political

I - individual

E - economic

C - cultural

These are the central tenets of history, the factors that shape events. 

By applying this acrostic to each and every question, piece of information or revision task you are given, you will automatically be beginning to siphon off your argument between the different categories. When you are set practice exam papers then immediately begin your plan with this acrostic. 

This is just a brief example of the technique. 


Marnie Dickens GCSE History Tutor (East London)

About The Author

I hope to be able to use my academic experience to help other students get the results they deserve through stimulating lessons and support.



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