How do you structure source based essays?

Source based essays are ones in which your own opinion shouldn't be the predominant aspect of your answer. In the introduction you should briefly identify the main points of each source, without giving away your argument. Then, each paragraph (maybe 3 or 4) should centre on a theme (taken from the essay question) and the student should use all sources to compare and contrast how they do or do not support this theme. The conclusion should be short and concise and sum up why the sources do or do not support the question. 

SJ
Answered by Sophie J. History tutor

19135 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

How important was Religion to the Upheavals of the 1640's?


How should I structure my essays?


How do I answer an essay question like: "How important was the use of legal powers in the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship between January 1933 and August 1934?"


The decent into war in 1914 had very little to do with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.


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