How do you answer a History essay question in the exam? (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer a History essay question in the exam? ›

Basic method: a good essay will have an introduction (no more than a paragraph long) that sets out the issues to be discussed in context; a series of evidence paragraphs which works through points in order to set out an explanation and a conclusion that summarizes the explanation as well as synthesizes your analysis as ...

As a general pattern, history essays first say what they're going to do (in the introduction), do it (in the body of the essay), and say what they just did (conclusion).

Answer the Question as Clearly as Possible

Start all paragraphs with a clear topic sentence that explains the main point that you will develop. Use cue phrases such as “for example,” “another example,” or “in contrast” to highlight the fact that you are using specific evidence to support your ideas.

To answer an in-class essay question effectively, you must read and understand the question, plan your response, support your arguments with evidence, write a clear and logical essay, and review and revise your work.

A history essay should have a definite structure, with an introduction (3.3, 4.2, 4.10), a main body (3.4) containing your argument and evidence, and a conclusion (4.2, 4.9).

Clearly and concisely answer the question:

In your introduction, show that you understand the question and outline how you will answer it. Make one point or argument per paragraph and include one or two pieces of evidence or examples for each point. In your conclusion, summarize the arguments to answer the question.

How to argue in a history essay? ›

A good argument for a historical research paper should always address how and why something happened in history. It should also put that something into context so that the argument examines any modern-day implications with respect to recent circ*mstances.

To write a catchy introduction for a history essay, start with a hook such as a surprising fact or provocative quote, provide some background information on the topic, and clearly state your thesis.

Start your answer by rewriting the question as a thesis statement. A well‐written thesis statement answers the question directly. What remains is to provide the documentation which supports your answer using the material you have studied. Proofread your answer and correct any errors in grammar, spelling or syntax.

To answer historical questions, you need to do research, analysis, and synthesis. Research involves finding and evaluating primary and secondary sources that are relevant and reliable. Analysis involves interpreting and comparing the sources, and identifying the evidence, arguments, and perspectives that they offer.

Choose source points first (quote or paraphrase from the source ) and the quote should be supported by a detailed explanation clearly linked to the question. Choose up to 2 points from the source. Include your own knowledge which should be linked to the question. You can exemplify up to 2 points of knowledge.

Firstly, it is important to show both sides of the argument- you must outline points which both support and those which challenge the statement you've been given. The arguments you make must be supported with in-depth, developed historical knowledge and when appropriate, other people's interpretations of history.

'Describe' questions ask you to present a series of precise details about an element of the course in lots of short and sharp sentences. In doing this, you may be asked to provide information about how something looks, how it is carried out in chronological order and/or how it is progressed or interpreted.