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

9122 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

"'Gladstone's attack on Disraeli's foreign policy was the most important reason for the Conservative defeat in the 1880 election.' How far do you agree? [50]" - How would one write an introduction to this essay question?


Alliances were the main cause for the First World War. Discuss


Why did the Conservative Governments dominate politically in the 1950s


In what year did the Cold War start?


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