Writing historical arguments and essays
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Notes de leçon
What a good history essay does
- A developed history answer responds to the command, issue and date range with precise knowledge and explained relationships. A supported judgement is needed where the task requests one.
- Explain why concerns reasons; a how-far task requires judgement; an analytical narrative account links developments in sequence. Do not impose one essay format on every task.
The command determines the response
Planning
- Read the key requirements and select a manageable number of developed points for the mark allocation and time. There is no universal three-or-four-point rule. A judgement question benefits from a provisional view and criteria; a focused explanation needs relevant causal reasoning.
Structure of paragraphs
- Point, evidence and explanation are useful functions that can take different forms. A connection to the question may run through the paragraph rather than appear as a compulsory final sentence.
- Use analytic verbs (led to, resulted in) and comparative words (more important than, a less significant factor).
Facts need an explained relationship
Introduction and conclusion
- An extended answer may use a brief introduction to establish direction. Shorter tasks can begin directly with the required explanation.
- A judgement conclusion weighs relevant evidence against criteria, rather than merely listing factors or treating them as equally important. No separate conclusion is required for every command type.
A judgement needs a criterion
Common errors
- Avoid ignoring the command, unsupported assertion, vague or irrelevant detail, and chronology without the explanation the task requires. Do not add an opposing side or judgement mechanically to tasks that do not request them.
Time
- Allocate time using the actual task, marks and reading demands. A brief plan and a final check can help; no fixed three-to-five-minute rule fits every question.
Diapos
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Questions d'entraînement
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1.What is a line of argument?
Easy- Athe main answer you develop through your essay
- Ba plot
- Ca list
- Da source
2.What does 'How far do you agree?' ask for?
Easy- Aa list of facts
- Ba story
- Ca quote
- Da judgement with reasons
3.What does 'Explain why' ask for?
Easy- Aa story
- Ba judgement only
- Ccauses or reasons
- Dconsequences only
4.Which should you include in a paragraph?
Easy- Ano explanation
- Bprecise evidence
- Cvague claims
- Djokes
5.Why plan before writing?
Easy- Ato organise points and judgement
- Bto waste time
- Cto copy
- Dno reason
6.What does 'analysis' mean?
Easy- Alisting
- Bcopying
- Cnarrating
- Dexplaining how and why, not just describing
7.If an extended answer includes an introduction, what is its useful purpose?
Easy- Ato give a bibliography
- Bto apologise
- Cto state your line of argument
- Dto retell the story
8.What is a common error?
Easy- Ajudging
- Bnarrating without linking to the question
- Cusing evidence
- Dplanning
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