How do I structure an A-Level History essay?

When writing a history essay the basic structure that you learnt at GCSE can be employed at A-Level: Introduction - Point 1- Point 2 - Point 3 - Conclusion. However, when writing at A-Level standard new complexities have to be added. Most importantly is structuring your argument so that the relative levels of importance of each section are made clear to the examiner. So, if you are asked: "What factors led to Henry VIII's Break with Rome?' you would need to discuss the factors and then analyse the relative importance of each. In answer to this question then you might argue that Henry's urgent need for a male heir was the driving factor behind his decision to pursue the Break with Rome however, his love for Anne Boleyn, his personal faith, and his desire to control the English Church and access its wealth were all contributing factors. You can demonstrate this analysis by linking your paragraphs, with each separate point in them, together. So you may discuss Henry's love for Anne Boleyn as a motivating factor and then link this back to the need for an heir by saying that she was significantly younger than Catherine of Aragon and so she was more likely to produce a child with the king. By doing this you create a common thread throughout the essay and keep your answer tightly focused on the question. In analysing the importance of each factor it is important to remember that there is no right answer! History is, after all, about debate rather than mere facts.