How would I structure a 30 mark source style essay? - AQA Exam Board Style

Source style essays typically focus on the utility and reliability of around three sources, both comparing and contrasting one another to assess how convincing the arguments are. There are two main approaches I would suggest to effectively articulate your knowledge and ideas to the examiner. The first approach would be to address the essay thematically, or alternatively source by source to communicate a clear structure and thorough analysis to maximise your marks. A checklist I would recommend using to address each source is to start by identifying your key line of argument, picking a few choice quotes to show your understanding of the source. Secondly, it is important to analyse the provenance, focusing on it's intended audience, who wrote it, when and why. The tone and emphasis describe the author's attitude towards the subject. And finally, incorporating key contextual knowledge, such as dates and events, make your understanding crystal clear to the examiner. To maximise your marks and reach the A and A* grades at A-level, acknowledging what other historians have said about the subject really highlights significant engagement with your course material and will thoroughly impress the examiner. If you choose to approach your essay source by source, then splitting each source into two small paragraphs focusing on it's value versus limitations is key in providing a balanced essay. While some exam boards favour a introductory paragraph, others do not require one, so it is important to give a clear conclusion clearly outlining your opinion highlighting the most useful source. However, ensure your refrain from writing in the 1st person to make your essay sound as academic as possible.