How to structure an effective history essay

Answering a history essay can often seem daunting but in essence it's very simple. The structure 'PEEL' (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) which teachers love, is the easiest and most effective way. But there are certain things that you can do to help yourself and get ahead. Planning the easy beforehand, whether in an exam or at home is key. This allows you to follow a concise train of thought and keep yourself on track when writing. Start by making three grids labelled - Point, Evidence and Explanation. Your point should not be longer than a sentence or in some cases two. Examiners are looking for clear answers which are easy to read, as such make sure your point is abundantly clear in the first sentence. Next move to the next column, labelled 'Evidence' and write down facts and figures that are directly relevant to your point. In an essay this would immediately follow your point. There doesn't have to be more than 2 or 3 facts or figures in this column. The next column 'Explanation' is what separates a 5 from a 8. This column should seek to expand on the first two - this paragraph should be analytical and should not be descriptive. Build on the point you've made, but remember to link the answer back to the question. This can be done through sticking to the plan you've laid out, but also by using the wording of the question in your answer to show an examiner that you understand the question and are answering the question that has been put in front of you.
For example, if the question was 'To what extent can we attribute blame to Adolf Hitler for Germany's more confrontational foreignpolicy throughout 1930s?'
The answer would look something like this...
Point: It must be argued that Adolf Hitler was inherently aggressive and confrontational in regards to foreign policy and that external circumstances were not the main factor in determining Germany’s foreign policy as Hitler’s support for a more confrontational foreign policy predates the 1930s
Evidence: From the establishment of the NSDAP, the party had repeatedly advocated for policies such as the abolition of the Treaty of Versailles, the remilitarisation of the Rhineland and the return of German colonies confiscated as a result of WWI; all of which were mentioned in the 25-point programme published by the party in 1919. Furthermore, Hitler sets out his political ideology and his vision for Germany in his autobiography, Mein Kampf. In the first page of the book, Hitler says “German Austria must be returned to the great German motherland."
Explanation: Mein Kampf can be seen to be the ideological blueprint for Hitler’s regime, as he advocates various other aggressive foreign policies such as the need for Lebensraum in Eastern Europe and Anschluss which in turn where implemented through out the regimes time in power. Additionally,  the development of the four-year plan, which was designed to transition the Germany economy away from consumer goods and towards a war economy, the Hossbach memorandum 1937,  the invasion of the Sudetenland and subsequently Czechoslovakia, Anschluss and the invasion of Poland all provide further evidence of the existence of a pre-determined plan, as these actions by Hitler are consistent with the inherently aggressive and confrontational view that he outlined in Mein Kampf and the 25-point plan.
Then add a link back to the question in a mini conclusion: It must therefore be argued that blame should be attributed solely to Adolf Hitler for Germany’s more confrontational foreign policy throughout the 1930s, as he had always intended to invade Eastern Europe in a quick and violent way hence the strengthening aggressive foreign policy.