‘The design and purpose of the temples on the Athenian Acropolis were revolutionary.’

To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your views and support them with details of the buildings in the Acropolis sanctuary. You might include discussion of: the reasons for the building of the temple complex • the functions of the buildings • the materials used • the layout of the sanctuary • the decoration.

This is a 30 mark question so, given that the exam is 1 hour and 30 mins I would allow 45- 50 mins for this question.
Unlike some essay subjects I wouldn't suggest attempting to argue with the question instead I would lean in to embrace the statement posed. I would work my way through the bullet points given by the exam board and write a solid paragraph on why each aspect is or is not revolutionary.
In the introduction contextualise the temples to demonstrate knowledge and propose your answer to the question. Acropolis was built in the Periclean building programme between 427 and 405 BC - whilst in many ways it resembles an average hellenistic temple complex it was revolutionary in many ways including its mathematical proportions and sculptural decoration
the reasons for the building of the temple complexcomment on the reason for the temple complex within in religious and cult practice but also comment on its political importance within the Persian wars and the Peloponnesian War and the importance of Pericles within burgeoning Athenian democracy • the functions of the buildings I would work my way through the buildings starting with the propylaea (the main gate way and entrance) then the Parthenon as the house for the cult statute. I would talk about those two together and reference how they work together. Also mention the things that make them uncommon like the fact that the Parthenon does not have an altar outside of it. I would then move onto explain the idiosyncrasy of the Erecthion and the temple of Athena Nike. • the materials used Revolutionary for using bright white Pentelic marble throughout all of the the buildings and the use of accented expensive materials such as gold, ivory and dark elusinian marble • the layout of the sanctuary Revolutionary for the fact that it is all radial from the Propylaea and the fact that the parthenon does not have an altar outside of it • the decoration.This will probably be the longest paragraph because of the vast amount of sculptural innovation on the acropolis. I would go for an explanation and description of the Parthenon pediments and metopes, the frieze of the Erecthion, the supposed lack of decoration on the Propylaea and the Frieze on the temple of Athena Nike.
Answer with a pithy conclusion to allow for comprehension marks to be fully hit. I would expect at least 27 out of 30 if this essay plan is filled out successfully.