NSC History Past Papers — Paper 1 and Paper 2
NSC History develops critical thinking and analysis through the study of 20th century world events and South African history. The exam has two papers: Paper 1 covers global history from the Cold War era onwards, while Paper 2 focuses on South African and southern African history. Both papers test source-based analysis and essay writing. This guide explains the format, topics, and how to prepare.
Paper 1 — 20th Century World History
Paper 1 is a 3-hour paper worth 150 marks. It covers key 20th century events with a focus on the Cold War, decolonisation, civil society movements, and globalisation.
- The Cold War: origins, key events (Berlin Wall, Cuban Missile Crisis), and end.
- Independent Africa: decolonisation, anti-colonial movements, challenges of independence.
- Civil society: protest movements (civil rights, anti-apartheid, feminism).
- Globalisation and social movements: inequality, neo-liberalism, global protests.
Paper 2 — South African and Southern African History
Paper 2 is also 3 hours and 150 marks. It covers South African history from the Mineral Revolution and Segregation through the Apartheid era to the post-1994 democratic period.
- Mineral Revolution and its impact on South Africa.
- Segregation and the development of apartheid.
- Resistance to apartheid (ANC, PAC, BCM, external pressure).
- Transition to democracy and the TRC.
- Post-1994 South Africa: challenges and achievements.
Source-Based Questions
Both papers include source-based questions where you analyse primary and secondary sources (photographs, cartoons, speeches, statistics). You must demonstrate your ability to extract information, interpret meaning, and evaluate bias or reliability.
- When asked to 'explain the message of a cartoon', describe what is literally shown and then explain what it represents.
- For 'reliability' questions: consider the author's purpose, perspective, date, and whether it is a primary or secondary source.
- For 'in what ways does Source B support/contradict Source A': compare specific facts, not general impressions.
- Always quote from the source to support your answer.
History Essay Writing
- A History essay must have a thesis (argument) in the introduction — do not just describe events.
- Use evidence (dates, names, events) to support your argument in every paragraph.
- Show both sides of the argument where asked — avoid one-sided analysis.
- Conclusion: summarise your argument and state whether your thesis was proven.
- Underline or bold key historical terms to signal knowledge to the examiner.