Firstly, your introduction should follow the 'BFL' system. You should begin by giving the relevant Background to the topic of the question. For example, if your question asks you to give the reasons for the growth of German nationalism in 1815-1850, you should give a brief background on the situation in Germany during this time period. Next is the Factors of your introduction. You should mention all the factors you will use in your essay, which will form the body paragraphs. Three factors is a good number. The final part of your introduction should mention your Line of argument. Here, you must make a decision on what you think the answer is, and you must remember to keep to this argument throughout your essay.Secondly, your body paragraphs should follow the 'PEA' system. After introducing the factor you will discuss in your body paragraph, the next sentence should be the 'Point' of the factor. Then, you should Explain your point - what other relevant details are needed to elaborate your point further? If you can think of any relevant evidence to add, such as statistics, add it here. Finally, you should Analyse your Point and Explanation, by tying all the information you have offered into your argument. Repeat this a few times for each body paragraph. For extra marks, you could also offer an opposing argument to the one you have given, then rebut the opposing view, and explain why your own view is better. Remember - while it is good to be knowledgeable, do not spend too much time describing historical events! Then, in your conclusion, you should summarise all the main points of your essay, giving a brief explanation as to how all this information answered the question and proved your argument.
FAQs
How to answer a history essay question? ›
Basic method: a good essay will have an introduction (no more than a paragraph long) that sets out the issues to be discussed in context; a series of evidence paragraphs which works through points in order to set out an explanation and a conclusion that summarizes the explanation as well as synthesizes your analysis as ...
How to answer essay questions in exam? ›- Write a direct answer to the question.
- Restate the question in a way that includes the answer.
- Explain your reasons in sequence.
- Give examples to expound your reasoning.
- Use citations to give credit to your sources.
- Conclude with your position in the answer.
When answering a to what extent question, you should give a short description of the strategy or project being evaluated, before giving a conclusion. The conclusion should be backed-up by evidence. You should assess each strategy separately.
What are 5 things you should do when answering an essay question? ›To answer an in-class essay question effectively, you must read and understand the question, plan your response, support your arguments with evidence, write a clear and logical essay, and review and revise your work.
How do you pass a history essay? ›- Get off to a good start. Avoid pretentious, vapid beginnings. ...
- State a clear thesis. ...
- Be sure to analyze. ...
- Use evidence critically. ...
- Be precise. ...
- Watch the chronology. ...
- Cite sources carefully. ...
- Use primary sources.
- Include background information to this topic. This should be 2-3 sentences putting your essay in context.
- Set out your argument for the marker. You must say which factor is the most important and give your reason why. ...
- Finally, you must list the other factors you will discuss in your essay.
- Plan your time. Although you will be working under pressure, take a few minutes to plan your time. ...
- Read the questions thoroughly. ...
- Plan your answer. ...
- Write out your essay, using good writing techniques. ...
- Proofread your answer.
Clearly and concisely answer the question:
In your introduction, show that you understand the question and outline how you will answer it. Make one point or argument per paragraph and include one or two pieces of evidence or examples for each point. In your conclusion, summarize the arguments to answer the question.
Focused Writing
Your answer should answer all parts of the question without a lot of random ideas which have little or nothing to do with the question. Students often think that adding random facts or ideas will help improve their grade because they know them.
- Ask how and why questions. ...
- Add (more) concrete examples and evidence. ...
- Expand the introduction and/or conclusion. ...
- Add a sentence or two at the end of each paragraph summarizing (and/or refuting) the arguments presented in that paragraph.
How do you score an essay test? ›
- Central idea of essay is clear, related to the prompt, and developed.
- Paraphrase and analysis of reading material supports the overall argument.
- Organization of ideas uses a logical structure, clear paragraphs, and appropriate transitions.
- Grammar and mechanics effectively communicates meaning.
Answer the Question as Clearly as Possible
Begin an essay answer with a very clear thesis statement that directly responds to the question. Start all paragraphs with a clear topic sentence that explains the main point that you will develop.
Begin your answer by rephrasing the essay question as a statement. The best way to start an essay answer is to rephrase the question in the form of a statement. Opening your essay in this way signals to the professor that you have read and understood the question.
What are three important tips for essay questions? ›- Be familiar with the terminology used. ...
- Take time to read the exam paper thoroughly. ...
- Plan before you write. ...
- Number your answers. ...
- Time yourself on each question. ...
- Answer in the first sentence and use the language of the question. ...
- Make sure you structure your essay. ...
- If you run out of time, answer in point form.
- While Preparing for the Exam:
- Become familiar with the course content. ...
- Start planning if you can. ...
- Consider practicing writing under time pressure. ...
- Before You Start Writing:
- Read the question carefully. ...
- Make a clear and specific plan. ...
- Schedule a set time for each paragraph.
To answer historical questions, you need to do research, analysis, and synthesis. Research involves finding and evaluating primary and secondary sources that are relevant and reliable. Analysis involves interpreting and comparing the sources, and identifying the evidence, arguments, and perspectives that they offer.
What is the format of a history essay? ›A history essay should have a definite structure, with an introduction (3.3, 4.2, 4.10), a main body (3.4) containing your argument and evidence, and a conclusion (4.2, 4.9).
How do you structure a history answer? ›Sentence starters/key phrases
Explain your answer, using the source and your knowledge of the historical context. You must write a paragraph on content (what the source says or shows) and provenance (where the source has come from and what the source is) for each source.
Firstly, it is important to show both sides of the argument- you must outline points which both support and those which challenge the statement you've been given. The arguments you make must be supported with in-depth, developed historical knowledge and when appropriate, other people's interpretations of history.