What is the most efficient way of structuring a history GSCE or an A-level essay question?

The most common question asked by all History students are to do with the way in which they are expected to structure an essay and how to stick to the question asked. It is so easy to lose out on marks just due to a poor structure and diversions from the actual question.

History students often tend to read a question and get carried away writing all the interesting and fascinating facts about the topic they know, perhaps to impress the examiner, without noticing that they are no longer answering the question asked.

The best way to approach a GCSE or even an A-level question is to first write 4 bullet points at the top of the page, all a few words each, outlining the points that will be made.

Example Q: Which factors contributed to the downfall of Thomas Cromwell in 1540?

My bullet points:

- Factional Rivalry

- Henry VIII's failed marriage to Anne of Cleves

- Henry's marriage to Catherine Howards

Next, to make sure we are answering a question, we should list all points we will make in the introduction.

We should start each paragraph by directly answering the question right away: ''The first factor contributing to the downfall of Thomas Cromwell in 1540 is the factional rivalry which existed in Henry VIII's court...''

Then it is time to impress the examiner through showing how much we know about each point using specific detail. Each date, full name, title and location will impress the examiner and will be rewarded by extra marks. When you are done explaining and juicing up your paragraph, again once more answer the essay question at the end of each paragraph. ''Therefore, factional rivalry is the first factor contributing to the downfall of Thomas Cromwell in 1540 because.... This should make it reader-friendly and extremely clear.

This method keeps your argument precise and on track. I have personally used this method at both GCSE and A-level, and it has never failed me. I continue to use this method at university. 

AG
Answered by Aldona G. History tutor

1978 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

‘The reason behind Britain’s attempts to join the EEC in the years 1967 to 1973 was that Britain could no longer claim to be a world power in its own right.’ Assess the validity of this view


How to structure exam question: ‘Trotsky was just as significant as Lenin to the success of the Bolsheviks in the period 1903-1924.’ Assess the validity of this view.


How far do you agree that the limited appeal of Mazzini’s ideas was the main reason for the slow progress of national unity in Italy in the years 1830-49?


'The USA was responsible for the division of Germany into two separate states by 1949.' Assess the validity of this view.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences