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Introduction (Historical context)

The Historical Context (introduction) is worth 3 marks and requires at least two sentences of context. Set the context around the time, place and historical events in question e.g.

• What? - What was happening...
• When? - around this time...
• Where? - and place in history
• How? - that sets the assignment question in context

The introduction should also have a line of argument. In your opinion what is the most important factor in answering the question or explaining the success or failure of an important historical development.

However, it is important that the question is referred to when identifying your own line of argument.

You must show balance by listing other factors or analysing the other side of the argument, linked to the question e.g. "However …"

Assignment paragraphs

The assignment should have at least 4 paragraphs - try to use the same technique/structure for each. (This section is worth 24 marks)

At the start of each paragraph

• identify the factor and
• link to the question

(e.g. "It can be argued … introduce the factor … now link to the question ..." )

A simple comment is NOT enough.

Before analysing the factor use detailed knowledge points to support your understanding and link back to the question. (up to 8 marks)

Analyse the factor NOT the knowledge - Show why the factor is important in answering your question. (4 marks)

Demonstrate balance. Use a counter argument or limitation on the factor’s relative importance. There are other ways such as debating the importance of one factor against another. This is worth up to 7 marks*.

* Overall analysis is worth up to 7 marks

Evaluate for top marks!

This is NOT a summary. You are required to assess how the factor played a part in the impact of the historical development/topic: (worth 5 marks)

• use a relative judgement e.g. most important.
• use new evidence OR discuss the historical interpretations OR quote a historian to support the judgement.
• to achieve ‘full’ evaluation marks you need to bring in your line of argument e.g. How important is the factor you are discussing in comparison to your line of argument?

References

Reference should be used to support analysis or evaluation in the essay paragraphs. Once you have made use of the reference - e.g. ‘… according to the historian … who says “…full quote…”’ you should then analyse what the historian is saying to support the argument you are making or use it to support your counter analysis. When using evaluation, a reference or references can be used to argue the historical debate around the essay topic. (4 marks)

Conclusion

The conclusion is the last part of your essay but still plays a significant part in your overall answer.

Reference to the assignment question is important - show you are answering the question, then introduce your own :line of argument.

The conclusion should

• confirm your line of argument
• answer the question, in your opinion.

This MUST be supported by a relative judgement and by evidence from your essay, e.g. use the analytical comment in your essay paragraph.

Show balance in your answer by discussing the other factors. Make a relative judgement with supporting evidence on the other factors e.g. use a counter analytical point from the essay paragraph.

To gain all 3 marks in the conclusion you MUST make a relative overall judgement between the different factors.