How should I structure my A-level History essay?

The most important thing is to form a plan and know what your thoughts are on the question before you start writing. This will help you avoid going off on tangents in the main body of the essay. It is also important to decide from your research, which historian’s arguments are most relevant to the questions and to consider what they agree and disagree on. You will get the highest marks by critically analysing their arguments and using them to help come up with your own. Once you have made a plan, your introduction should outline what you will be discussing in your essay and the historians you will consider. Keep this concise because it sets you up for a very clear and concise structure for the rest of your essay.
In the main body of the essay, make sure each paragraph has a clear purpose to avoid any repetition. You want each paragraph to be relevant and fresh. Use a point, evidence explain approach and treat the essay like a debate or discussion. The marker is looking for you to have considered many different arguments so that your own conclusion is a well-considered and strong one. It is important that each paragraph reverts back to the question, to make sure you are definitely answering what they are asking. It is very easy to talk about other interesting things you have learnt but you will only get the marks if your points are relevant to the question. Your conclusion is perhaps the most important section of your essay and you must always leave time to write a good one. Your concluding argument should not surprise the marker or bring up any points you have not discussed before. The main body of the essay should give an indication of what you are arguing already, whilst considering other perspectives to ensure strength in your own argument. The other important things about conclusions are keeping them clear and concise and directly responsive to the question.