How should I structure my GCSE History essay?

When it comes to a GCSE History exam essay, it is important to have a clear structure to your argument. Do not simply write down everything you know about a specific topic, for example, if the question was 'Explain why the Battle of the Somme represented a military failure for the British', it is important you do not simply describe the battle. Instead, write a brief but clear introduction as to what you will argue. Do not leave the reader on a cliffhanger, instead, you should signpost in your introduction what it is you will argue throughout your essay, and then use the rest of the essay to discuss this argument.

During your essay, you should have 3 or 4 key points, using the PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) method to analyze each of them. However, remember to point out the significance of each point, for example, the significance of General Haig's poor military judgment at the Somme, before going back to your main argument, for example, 'However, this was not as significant as the efficiency of the German army in contributing to the Battle of the Somme being a military disaster'. Your conclusion should simply summarize your points, before stating your answer to the question; 'Therefore, the efficiency of the German army was the main reason for British military failure at the Battle of the Somme'.