Edexcel History 9-1 - Early Elizabethan England 1558-1588 Paper 2 - Question Bank

Q: What topics are covered in Paper 2 for Elizabethan England 1558–1588?

The question bank covers Queen, Government and Religion (1558–1569), challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad (1569–1588), and Elizabethan society in the age of exploration (1558–1588).

Q: How should answers be structured for the 12-mark Explain questions?

The paper notes candidates must include knowledge of their own as well as the two bullet points provided on the exam paper.

Q: What does a 16-mark Evaluate question require?

16-mark questions are typically “How far do you agree?” items, where candidates explain and evaluate their answer, using their own knowledge.

Sep 5, 2026

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Question bank for Edexcel History 9-1 Paper 2 covering Early Elizabethan England 1558–1588. Focus areas include Queen, Government and Religion (1558–1569), challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad (1569–1588), and Elizabethan society in the age of exploration (1558–1588). Includes multiple 4-mark describe questions, 12-mark explain questions requiring two points plus own knowledge, and 16-mark evaluate questions framed around “How far do you agree?” propositions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Exam Questions—Elizabethan England 1558—1588

Describe two features (4 marks)

Explain (12 marks)

Evaluate (16 marks)

Edexcel History 9-1 A round up of all published questions (from the exam board and textbooks) for Early Elizabethan England 1558—1588 Paper 2 􀁸 Queen ,Government and Religion 1558—69 􀁸 Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad 1569—88 􀁸 Elizabethan Society in the Age of Exploration 1558—88 | Exam Questions—Elizabethan England 1558—1588
Describe two features of.. (4 marks) -Big point supported by precise and specific knowledge x 2 | | --- | | 􀁸 Describe two features of the Elizabethan religious settlement.
􀁸 Describe two features of Elizabethan society.
􀁸 Describe two features of the Revolt of the Northern Earls.
􀁸 Describe two features of the plots against Elizabeth I in the years 1571—86.
􀁸 Describe two features of the Elizabethan system of poor relief that were new.
􀁸 Describe two features of Mary, Queen of Scots threat to Elizabeth I.
􀁸 Describe two features of the Ridolfi Plot.
􀁸 Describe two features of Elizabeth’s experiences before she became Queen.
􀁸 Describe two features of the Babington Plot.
Explain (12 marks) Exam paper will give 2 bullet points of information that can be included. Candidates | | must include knowledge of their own as well
􀁸 Explain why the Catholic threat to Elizabeth I increased after 1566.
􀁸 Explain why Phillip II launched the Armada against England in 1588.
􀁸 Explain why the attempt to colonise Virginia in 1585-86 was a failure.
􀁸 Explain why the revolt of the Northern Earls took place in 1569.
􀁸 Explain why Mary,,Queen of Scots created a problem for Elizabeth when she came to England in 1568.
Evaluate (16 marks) Exam paper will give 2 bullet points of information that can be included. Candidates must include knowledge of their own as well
􀁸 ‘The decline in Anglo-Spanish relations in the years 1569—85 was caused by Elizabeth I.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘The main reason that voyages of exploration were undertaken during Elizabeth I’s reign was to increase England’s wealth.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Population growth was the main reason why vagabondage increased in Elizabethan England,’How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Religion was the main cause of the growing tension between England and Spain between 1570 and 1588.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer. | | Exam Questions—Elizabethan England 1558—1588
Describe two features of.. (4 marks) -Big point supported by precise and specific knowledge x 2 | | --- | | 􀁸 Describe two features of Drake’s attacks on Spanish shipping and trade.
􀁸 Describe two features of Elizabethan theatre.
􀁸 Describe two pastimes and sports for the wealthy.
􀁸 Describe two features of the attempts to colonise Virginia in the 1580s.
􀁸 Describe two features of Elizabethan schools.
Explain (12 marks) Exam paper will give 2 bullet points of information that can be included. Candidates | | must include knowledge of their own as well
􀁸 Explain why the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1588.
Evaluate (16 marks) Exam paper will give 2 bullet points of information that can be included. Candidates must include knowledge of their own as well
􀁸 ‘Elizabeth I dealt with the problems of 1558 successfully.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Elizabeth’s religious settlement was a successful compromise.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Lack of foreign support was the main reason why Catholic revolts and plots against Elizabeth failed. How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 The Babington Plot was the main cause of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Religious rivalry rather than commercial or political rivalry caused the war between Spain and England.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
􀁸 ‘Relations with the Native Americans were the main reason for the failure of the Virginia colonies.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.<

FAQs

What topics are covered in Paper 2 for Elizabethan England 1558–1588?

The question bank covers Queen, Government and Religion (1558–1569), challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad (1569–1588), and Elizabethan society in the age of exploration (1558–1588).

How should answers be structured for the 12-mark Explain questions?

The paper notes candidates must include knowledge of their own as well as the two bullet points provided on the exam paper.

What does a 16-mark Evaluate question require?

16-mark questions are typically “How far do you agree?” items, where candidates explain and evaluate their answer, using their own knowledge.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Stanley