How do you effectively respond to an interpretation question?

In order to do so, you first need to break down the view of the Historian. This can seem daunting, but if you follow the steps of: highlighting their overarching view, highlighting smaller elements that they hone in on in their view (such as Henry 8th's want to be with Anne Boleyn as reasoning behind an overarching view of his break with Rome being a personal over a political matter), and highlighting how they convey this view (i.e. through a metaphor). Then, you need to have one paragraph dedicated to strengths of the view/what makes it more convincing, and then a paragraph highlighting weaknesses in the view/what makes it less convincing. Whilst simultaneously analysing to what extent these strengths/weaknesses effect the overarching convincing nature of the view. Following this, you can subsequently bring your own judgement to the forefront as to how convincing this is in weighing up the pros and cons of the historians argument in your conclusion.

Answered by History tutor

13072 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to write a History Essay?


What was the USSR and when did Russia become it?


'Germany experienced a period of political calm, international security, and social and cultural progress in the mid-1920s'. How far do you agree with the judgement?


Explain what the Age of Enlightment is. In which countries did it have the most significant effect? Mention its most relevant thinkers too!


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning