How do I write a successful essay?

This is a big question with lots of important parts. Put simply though, writing an essay is all about argument and answering your question. You must make sure a very clear argument runs throughout every sentence of your essay. Any part which fails to reinforce your argument and answer your question is wasted words. Start by answering the question explicitly in your first senstence. The remainder of your introduction should explain how you are dividing your answer into sections explaining what each section's aims are and how this reinforces your answer from sentence one. Throughout the writing process bear in mind your answer and your argument (a little trick I still use is to have my question and my answer in one sentence as a header atop each page throughout the writing process to remind me of my direction). Conclude each point within your sections by linking them to your argument and your answer. Conclude each section similarly. In your conclusion restate the argument of each section, link them all to your answer and answer the question explicitly again in the final sentence. This framework woud be effective for a one, two or ten thousand word essay. While considering all the many other parts of thinking about a historical question you must always be clear and concise, stick to your structure and ANSWER THE QUESTION.