Example Question: In an exam you should have 50 minutes for this type of question ‘To what extent were the claims of the early Stuarts to rule by Divine Right the most important reason for the breakdown of Crown and Parliament relations by 1629?’
Stage 1 – The Question:Key Word of question - ‘extent’ Date range – start of course (1603) to 1629 Factors – which factor does the question want you to mention (Divine Right) and which others will you use to offer a different argument e.g. finance, foreign policy, religion…
Stage 2 – Plan:Spend about 5 minutes. This will help establish your argument, think of key examples and structure your answer well. For this question I would bullet point import events to do with Divine Right and then do the same for 3-4 other chosen key factors.
Stage 3 – Answer:IntroductionThis should outline key events in the dates provided, in other words, put the question into context. Next briefly state your argument. For example using the question above – although divine right was an important reason for the breakdown of Crown and Parliament relations, finance was important to a greater extent as can be seen through the continuous tensions caused by James I’s extravagant spending habits. Main Body – 3 to 4 paragraphs evaluating factors with PEAL throughout An example of how to structure a paragraph: Finance was the most important factor (Point). James I’s expensive taste such as £16,500 on wardrobe and nearly £30,000 spent on jewels created tense relations with parliament who disapproved of his spending habits (Example). This shows finance was an important factor in the breakdown of relations as James relied on parliament to fund his expensive lifestyle, resorting to unpopular taxes and chancellors such as The Earl of Salisbury which were a constant source of tension as finance was often the reason he dismissed parliament as in the 1614 Addled Parliament (Further example and analysis). The events of James’ reign show finance was a factor to a large extent as it was a constant reason for animosity between crown and parliament (Link to question by showing importance of each factor)ConclusionThis should briefly wrap up your overall point whilst giving one or two examples to support. Do not introduce any new ideas or factors in your conclusion – if they are that important, they should be in the main body of your answer. Make sure your conclusion is consistent with the argument in your introduction and the argument you have built throughout your answer.
Stage 4 – Check:Finally – check! Spelling, dates, grammar, names with capitals! These things all make a difference and are important to get right!