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Diamond 9 Activity: Causes of the First World War

Diamond 9 Activity: Causes of the First World War

Subject: History

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

4 November 2025

docx, 54.57 KB
docx, 54.57 KB

This great resource is designed to help students understand why the causes of the First World War 1914 - 1918. The pedagogy underpinning this strategy is that when we rank items, either statements, objects or images, we are required to make explicit the over- arching relationships by which we organise our knowledge and connect our learning. It can used as a starter or plenary and is suitable for middle to upper ability students as a stretch and challenge task. If you would like something aimed at middle to lower ability students, then please check out my card sort of this topic in my TES shop. This task is primarily designed to help students prioritise the different factors in preparation for an extended answer or essay.

The resource nine diamond shaped cards which include a range of factors to explain the causes of the First World War. Once students have cut the cards out they are set three tasks including:

1. Remove any reasons that you don’t think are important. Record and explain why you have removed them.
2. Arrange the remaining diamonds to show any links that you can find between the different reasons. Record and explain your reasons.
3. Make a smaller diamond shape using what you think are the four most important causes of the First World War.

At each stage students should be feeding back to their group or the class and explaining their choices. The discussion and explanation around the choices that they have made are critical in helping them develop their thinking skills as well as their arguments for writing their essay.

The aims and objectives for this lesson are:

Theme: Causes of the First World War 1914 - 1918
Know: What were the causes of the First World War?
Understand: What were the political, economic and social causes of the First World War?
Evaluate: Which factors were the most important?

WILF: What Am I Looking for?
Identify & describe: The main reasons why the First World War started in 1914?
Explain: How did each factor help to start the war?
Analyse: Which factors were the most important?

If you like this resource then why not check out my TES shop where you can find many similar ideas and resources. For example, we have a much simpler card sort on the causes of the First World War aimed at middle and lower ability students. You can also follow ‘The History Academy’ on Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube and Facebook for the latest updates or even to get in touch and chat about how you have used this resource or to ask questions. We aim to produce cheap and affordable resources for either the price of a good cup of coffee or a happy meal so that you can spend more time doing the things that you want.

Anyway, have fun and stay in touch via social media for the latest updates.

Kind Regards

Roy

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 56%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

First World War Discount Bundle

This great-value bundle brings together all of our current resources on the First World War, designed to help you teach this fascinating and complex period with confidence and creativity. The collection is a work in progress, and we’ll be adding new lessons and activities over the next few weeks. As new resources are added, the price will rise — but if you purchase the bundle now, you’ll receive every future update for free. In other words, the earlier you buy, the more you save! Right now, the bundle is offered at a discount of at least 56%, making it an excellent opportunity to build a high-quality bank of lessons at a fraction of the full price. Each resource includes clear aims and objectives, engaging classroom activities, and flexible materials suitable for a range of teaching styles. To find out more about each lesson, simply click on the individual resource titles in the bundle — you’ll find detailed descriptions, learning outcomes, and ideas for classroom use. If you enjoy these materials, why not explore our other history bundles and topics available in The History Academy TES shop? We offer similar value-for-money collections across British, European, and world history, giving you even more ways to save while enriching your curriculum. You can also follow The History Academy on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for updates on new resources, teaching tips, and classroom ideas — or to share how you’ve used our materials. At The History Academy, we’re committed to creating affordable, high-quality resources for the price of a good cup of coffee, so you can spend more time doing what really matters. All our contributors are paid the living wage, so your purchase supports fair pay and quality teaching. Thanks for supporting our work — and keep checking back for new additions to this growing bundle! Kind regards, Roy

£20.00
Bundle

First World War Revision Card Games

These resources have been bundled together to provide with a range of fun, interactive, dynamic learning activities to help your students revise the First World War. These include a card sort on the causes of the FWW, a diamond 9 task to provide extension on the causes and two dingbat revision flash card games on both the FWW in general and another that focuses on the Home Front. Dingbats are innovative and interactive flashcards meticulously crafted to help students enhance their focus on key terms and essential facts. These flashcards transform the revision process into a dynamic and enjoyable social experience, moving away from solitary study sessions. By fostering teamwork and peer assessment, Dingbats make learning significantly more engaging. If you find this lesson engaging, consider exploring our other resources on similar topics available in our TES shop. You can also follow The History Academy on social media platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest updates. We strive to produce affordable resources, priced comparably to a cup of coffee, allowing you to spend more time on your favorite activities. By investing in our resources, you support our commitment to fairness and integrity, ensuring that all our authors receive a living wage. Enjoy your learning journey and stay connected through social media for continuous updates. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, featuring over 600 free videos: @historyacademy. Kind Regards, Roy

£6.00

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