How do I improve my exam technique in a history exam?

Because your brain is overloaded with dates, facts and figures, it can be hard to know how to deploy them in the most concise way to answer the question on the paper. It is best to enter an exam with an essay structure in mind according to the type of question being asked (for example a 6 mark response will require a different structure than a 24 marker.)

A rough essay structure to respond to a 24 mark question that necessitates a for/against argument in a history exam is as follows:

Introduction: Unpacking terms in question. Detail the for/against argument. Finish with a few questions you will set out to respond to in exam that may have some bearing on the main enquiry. 

Main body 1: Explore the lesser argument first, whether that be for or against. 2-3 paragraphs.

Main body 2: Explore the greater argument and respond directly to the ideas you have raised in Main Body 1. Use connectives such as "although", "despite", "there is greater evidence to suggest that". 3-4 paragraphs. 

Conclusion: Summarise. "Although some may argue that ____ lesser argument ____, there is stronger evidence to suggest that ___ stronger argument." The examiner likes you to be decisive over which argument is the stronger one but he also wants you to make some concessions to distinguish a lower mark from a higher one. I use the line "Of course the answer is never clear cut..." to show a further level of scrutiny. 

This is just a rought template. I think essay structure needs to be drilled into students' minds because it is very easy to be overwhelmed by content, which results in the overspilling of ideas onto the page lacking a clear structure. Plus, remembering structure can help remember content too as it organises ideas.