How would you structure a history essay introduction?

For the introduction, It really needs to be a plan of the essay you're going to write and set out a clear plan for the examiner of the paragraphs you're going to write and your point of view throughout the essay. 

To write an introduction you would usually follow this layout for a non-source orientated question- Point, Rank (Starting with the most important/signficant factor), Knowledge, Explain, Evaluate, Link onwards.

Here are some examples from an essay that I wrote that was marked at 24/25 for A level History. 

Point- This has to be a clear statement, showing that you have a clear, concise opinion which is consistent throughout the essay. 

Point- 'The Second Boer War from 1899-1902 highlighted and instigated several...'

Rank- Throughout the essay you need to make it clear which point/event is the most important/significant and explain your reasoning briefly.

Ranking: 'The most significant consequence was the weakening of ‘Pax Britannica’; the period in which...'

HS
Answered by Helena S. History tutor

8857 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between February Revolution and October Revolution?


“The Communist government faced similar difficulties in the Civil War to the Tsarist government in the First World War in feeding and equipping soldiers and workers, but responded very differently.”


What does the functionalist theory of history claim about the Nazi holocaust?


How important was religion as a motivation for Henry VIII's break with Rome?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning