How should you structure a question worth 8 marks?

8 marks can be achieved through two well-developed, equal paragraphs, each earning 4 marks.The first step is a direct answer: at the beginning of each paragraph the student should give a 'first-sentence answer' to clearly outline an important factor relating to the question--most often a cause--to make it clear to the examiner the premise of the paragraph and the relevance of the following factual detail and analysis.The second step is factual detail: summarised as 'names and numbers', the student should deploy specific and relevant detail relating to the question (including events, dates, individuals and processes) to demonstrate secure contextual knowledge to the examiner and provide a foundation upon which explanation can occur.The third step is explanation: the student should demonstrate the factor's significance by exploring its impact on surrounding events and processes which have particular relevance to the question. It should use the names and numbers previously given to support the paragraph’s point.The final step is the conclusion: the student should restate the significance of the two factors whilst also, if possible, link the two together to demonstrate a central factor. Another way of doing this is by linking the second point to the first at the end of the second paragraph.

MK
Answered by Marcus K. History tutor

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