How do I prevent myself slipping into narrative during analysis?

In order to maintain sophisticated analysis instead of a description of events it is important to keep asking yourself questions as you go along. For instance, if you're meant to evaluate the importance of an event, ask yourself: why this event was/wasn't important? Was it's impact short or long-term? Did another event perhaps affect more of the population than the one stated in the question? By pulling the 'importance' of this event apart you're making sure that you're offering analysis as oppose to if you only described what the event did without a comparison or detailed criticism. It's easy to get narrative and analysis mixed up, but as long as you keep asking yourself questions after each of your points you'll be sure not to slip into description.

Answered by History tutor

2300 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

'Despite the break with Rome, Henry VIII never seriously abandoned the Catholic Faith in the years 1529-47.' Explain why you agree/disagree with this view (25marks)


How should I structure an essay question?


What is the best technique for revising for an A Level History exam?


To what extent was the Scramble for Africa due to power dynamics within Europe?


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