SECTION 2 – ESSAY-STYLE QUESTIONS

How to write a good historical essay

You have a choice of FOUR essay questions on each of three topics studied; you only answer ONE question on each topic, so:

• Choose the question you feel you can most competently answer.

• Check how many parts there are to the question.

• Highlight the keywords/key elements.

• If dates are given, make sure to highlight them, if they’re not, you should insert your own and stay within the date parameters.

• You will not have time to make an elaborate essay plan. Instead jot down keywords that will trigger paragraphs to make up the body of your essay.

• Stay focused and engage with the question throughout your essay.

• Link your paragraphs and refer regularly to the question.

• Try to write eight to ten paragraphs.

• Include quotes – these can gain you extra marks.

• Always incorporate the case study, key concepts and personalities relevant to the question into your answer.

INTRODUCTION

• Your introduction should contextualise the question by giving a small amount of background information.

• If key concepts are used in the essay title, define them in your introduction.

• Refer to keywords from the question to show you are tackling the question asked.

• If you are asked to compare people/events, or to argue a case, always take a stance. Be confident of the case you are making, provide evidence to support your argument and always avoid making sweeping, unsubstantiated statements.

MAIN BODY

• Structure your essay well.

• Make one main point per paragraph – develop it and give evidence to support your point.

• Try to ensure a smooth flow from paragraph to paragraph by using linking words such as however, nonetheless, therefore, in the meantime, despite, etc.

• Conclude by linking your points to the question asked.

CONCLUSION

• Your conclusion must refer back to the question asked, but don’t just repeat what you said in your introduction.

• Sum up your argument and give some hint of what happened next.