Solved In Minutes: Understanding Historical Context by Answering Source Questions

In this special episode of Crimson Global Academy's Solved In Minutes series, our Head of Social Science and History teacher, Mr. Andrew Rugg, walks us through how to tackle the Source Question in A Level History using the powerful and structured TOMACRU method. Using a real-world historical example - a letter from Lord Canning during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, students gain a clear understanding of how to unpack historical documents efficiently and with insight. This episode is ideal for students studying AS History, A Level History online, or preparing for AP History exams.

Meet the Expert: Mr. Andrew Rugg

Andrew Rugg is CGA’s Head of Social Science and an accomplished History teacher with over 20 years of experience. He has taught across Australia, the UK, UAE, and Denmark in both public and elite private institutions, including Cranbrook School and Ascham School in Sydney and Jumeriah English Speaking School in Dubai. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a PGCE in Secondary Education and is currently studying a Masters of Education at Oxford University.

Now based in Denmark, Andrew is deeply passionate about helping students reach their full potential: “Seeing students as they learn and grow together and achieve top marks in their final exams has been hugely rewarding for me.”

The Context of the Indian Mutiny

The British presence in India during the mid-19th century was marked by deep political and social unrest. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence, was a widespread, though ultimately unsuccessful, rebellion against the rule of the British East India Company. The uprising was fuelled by longstanding political discontent, economic exploitation, and cultural tensions between the British and the Indian populace.

Insights from Lord Canning's Letter

In the video, Mr. Rugg introduces a historical source: a private letter written by Lord Canning, Governor General of India, to Queen Victoria. This document offers historians an unfiltered look at how British leadership viewed and responded to the mutiny. Of particular importance is Canning’s candid admission of the "indiscriminate vindictiveness" carried out by British forces - an unusually frank acknowledgement of British culpability.

This primary source exemplifies the importance of examining a document's tone, purpose, audience, and context. As a personal communication to the monarch, Canning's letter is less filtered than official records, making it a valuable resource for historians seeking to understand the complex power dynamics and human consequences of colonial rule.

What is a Source Question in History?

A Source Question in history challenges students to analyse and evaluate historical documents, often within a timed A Level History or AP History examination setting. It requires understanding both the content and the context of a source, assessing its reliability and usefulness, and recognising the author’s intent. These questions aim to develop skills in critical thinking, historical empathy, and interpretation, essential tools for any budding historian.

Breaking Down the TOMACRU Method

Mr. Rugg demonstrates how the TOMACRU acronym simplifies source analysis:

• Tone: What emotion or attitude is conveyed?
• Origin: Who created the source, and when?
• Message: What is the source trying to say?
• Audience: Who was the source intended for?
• Content: What are the key facts and ideas presented?
• Reliability: Can the source be trusted? What biases exist?
• Usefulness: How does the source contribute to our understanding of the topic?

This method provides a repeatable, structured approach to source-based questions and is especially helpful in high-pressure A Level History and AP History exam scenarios.

Study Tips for Acing Source-Based Questions

• Practice with past papers to get comfortable with source formats and question types
• Use frameworks like TOMACRU to build a consistent strategy
• Annotate sources before writing to highlight key information
• Always consider context—when and why was the source created?
• Balance your response by discussing both strengths and limitations of a source

These study tips are particularly useful for students who want to study A Levels online or enhance their history revision techniques from anywhere in the world.

Why Source Analysis is a Crucial Skill Beyond the Classroom

Understanding how to analyse a historical source is not only useful in exams but also in university and everyday life. From journalism to law, critical reading and contextual thinking are essential skills. Learning to assess motive, reliability, and intent helps students navigate today’s world of media, politics, and global discourse.

What Makes Studying History at CGA Different?

At CGA, students are guided by subject-matter experts in live, small-group classes that foster critical thinking. Teachers like Mr. Rugg bring global experience and deep subject knowledge into every lesson. Students also benefit from a personalised, flexible curriculum designed for academic excellence and real-world skills. Whether preparing for A Levels or AP History exams, CGA helps students learn history in an engaging, globally focused environment.

Ready to Master History?

Whether you're preparing for your AS History exams, taking A Level History online, or just passionate about the past, this episode of Solved In Minutes provides an easy, structured approach to one of the trickiest parts of the subject. Watch the full episode and read more study tips for A Level History on our blog to take your historical thinking to the next level.

Interested in mastering subjects like A Level History or AP History from anywhere in the world? Talk to our expert advisors today and learn how you can study A Levels online with Crimson Global Academy. Let’s build your path to academic success, starting now.