Use the correct historical terms
Say “invasion,” “rebellion,” “empire,” or “conquest” instead of “the Romans came here” or “the British got angry.” Show that you know the right vocabulary for key events.
Link actions to causes
Explain why something happened. Don’t just say Boudica fought the Romans—say she rebelled because the Romans took her land and treated her people unfairly.
Think about change over time
Use phrases like “At first… but later…” or “Over the next century…” to show how things changed. The Romans didn’t just arrive and stay the same—they built, ruled, and adapted.
Spot evidence, not guesses
Coins, roads, mosaics, and written records are real clues. Always back up your points with something the Romans left behind or something historians have found.
Show long-lasting impact
The Romans left Britain, but their roads, words, and town layouts are still here. Use the word “legacy” when talking about what stayed behind.
Compare life before and after
What changed for people living in Britain? Use comparisons like “Roundhouses became stone villas” or “tribes became towns.”
Ask what life was like for different people
The Romans didn’t affect everyone the same. A rich villa owner, a British farmer, and a Roman soldier all had different experiences. Show that you’ve thought about more than one point of view.
Know your place-names
Place names like “-chester” or “-street” come from Roman words. Mention these in your answers to show you understand continuity in language.
Think about significance
Don’t just say “Hadrian’s Wall was big”—say it marked the edge of the empire and helped control people moving in and out of Roman Britain.
Explain why people resisted
Boudica didn’t just get angry—she resisted Roman rule because of unfair taxes and violence. Understanding the reason behind rebellion matters in FSCE answers.
Use the right time language
Use “AD” and “BC” when talking about Roman events. Saying “a long time ago” is too vague—show you know the correct time period.
Spot patterns and link ideas
Use Roman roads, towns, and laws to explain how Britain became more connected and more Romanised. Don’t treat events separately—show how they fit together.