How do I structure a History Essay?
How to Structure a History Essay
Structuring a history essay can be a daunting task – but once you establish a clear technique for presenting your argument, the clarity and quality of your essays will undoubtedly improve.
I’ll lay out the three main areas of what should be in your essay, as well as some tips at the end to ensure that you get the highest mark you can get.
The three key areas are as follows
Introduction
This is opening paragraph in the essay and should contain your main thesis – that is, your line of argument which should be adhered to throughout the essay. Outline the 3 or 4 main points you have in order to answer the question: these points should later form your main paragraphs in the essay (eg. Social, economic and political reasons for X). If it’s an “evaluate” or “assess” question, make sure you express an opinion as to which factor or point is the most important one.
Main Paragraphs
These paragraphs are essentially your main points that you outlined in your introduction. They should be clearly defined arguments or factors – and each paragraph should contain one of these arguments. The danger of trying to fit too many factors or comparisons into a single paragraph is that it becomes complicated, and difficult for the examiner to understand. The easier and clearer it is for you to read, the clearer it will be to the examiner.
Also note – paragraphs should not be a narrative of events (eg. How a battle happened, or telling the story of how Hitler came to power) – examiners and exam boards hate this (unless the question specifically asks for chronology). Make sure you create argument and discussion – persuade the examiner that you are correct.
Now as to how to structure the paragraph itself:
The first line of the paragraph should be a signpost sentence – it should summarise your argument for that paragraph. This gives the examiner a clear idea of what is coming in the next 300-400 words.
There is a commonly used mark scheme with most exam boards, which rewards the P.E.E structure
P – Point. Make your argument and relate it to the question. Eg. The main reason for the outbreak of World War One was German aggression.
E – Explain. Explain why this was the main factor or argument. Eg. German aggression caused increased tension within Europe with the dynamic growth of German power
E – Evidence. Back up your claim with facts or case studies which prove your point. Eg. Aggressive expansion is shown in the Schlieffen Plan, which caused Britain to declare war on Germany on 4th August, 1914.
Now do this in each paragraph, to create a clear and flowing argument.
A useful tip which I found allowed me to hit higher marks was presenting your strongest argument first – then throughout the essay, use inter-comparative points relating back to your strongest argument to show why it is indeed the strongest. Eg. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a minor cause of World War One when compared to the extent to which German militarism heightened European military and political tensions.
Conclusion
This needs to be an opinionated summary of your argument – it should not just be a narrative of what you have just written. Make is clear which factor or point is the most important one. A good way of checking consistency throughout your essay is checking that your Introduction, Signpost sentences and Conclusion align in their arguments and flow.
Maybe to finish, you could pose a further question or an afterthought which has not been included in the essay – imagine using it as a springboard into the next discussion.
NB. It is always good to re-read an essay, whether for typos, flaws in your argument or general ambiguity within the essay.
Following this structure, you should see an increase in the clarity and flow of your argument. Please do contact me if you have any questions or queries!
