What is the difference between a description and an explanation?

When an answer moves from description (or identification) to explanation (in parts (b) and (c) of Paper 1), it will move towards a higher band in the mark scheme.

For example, if a question asks learners to explain why Germans hated the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the answer 'Because of the reduction in the size of the German army to 100 000 men' only identifies a reason. It does not explain it. To give further details about the reduction in the size of Germany's navy and air force would only add more description, it would not turn the answer into an explanation. To turn this answer into an explanation the learner must also give a historical reason for why the reduction in the size of the army really mattered to the Germans. For example, the learner could explain that the reduction left Germany open to possible attack from their traditional enemy, France.