‘The financial problems of James VI were of his own making?’ How far do you agree?

Before You Start The Question: Knowing how you write essays is important- having an idea of how to approach things before the exam is key to keeping calm. For questions focusing on how far you agree, it will be easiest to create an analytical response by addressing the question thematically, focusing on factors, rather than as a straight forward yes or no.Addressing the question: In asking if the problems were of James VI's making, the question wants you to look at the factors contributing to his financial problems. This encourages splitting the question into paragraphs on these factors, and in this case addressing issues internal and external to James VI's rule. In terms of internal factors, looking at James himself, you could address his extravagant nature, and his determination to establish himself as party to what he saw as the riches of England. Externally, James inherited a struggling financial system from his predecessor, Elizabeth I, which would suggest that the problems were not solely of his making. A third paragraph could look into factors which were a mix of internal and external problems, such as James VI's tense relationship with Parliament, which were partly due to his extravagance and also exacerbated the existing issues with the financial system. A paragraph such as this would tie together the two halves of your essay, and allow more even handed analysis.