Historical skills · Higher
Historical Interpretations
An interpretation is a historian’s view of the past, built from evidence and argument. Questions often ask how far you agree.
Why interpretations differ
• Different sources selected or available
• Different questions asked of the past
• Values and context of the historian’s own time
• Focus (political vs social, leaders vs ordinary people)
How to answer
1. Explain what the interpretation says
2. Support with evidence from the interpretation / sources provided
3. Use **own knowledge** to support or challenge
4. Reach a clear judgement (how far / overall)
Avoid only rewriting the extract.
Practice questions
1. What is an interpretation?
2. Why must you use own knowledge?