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.
