I am finding it difficult to write the kind of answers expected at A Level. How can I improve my essay writing?

Don't despair! Everyone finds it hard at first. Things you can do to help yourself are as follows:

PLAN carefully: look at title and write down the key reasons or factors which answer the question. These should be your first sentences.

P.E.E. See John D Clare's How to PEE for basic structure, but remember that at A Level, you need to give more detailed examples; so not just ‘(e.g. over Corfu, 1923)’ but showing how the Corfu incident reveals a particular failure.

Read History Today's Ten Essay Tips for more advice.

Look back through the essays you have written, and try to expand your paragraphs according to your tutor’s advice in their feedback.

A final helpful technique is to read a good answer (e.g. exemplar responses or specimen answers provided on the course) and work out what the essay plan (as in the PLAN advice above) would have been, and then list evidence against each point.

Learning by example is also incredibly important, so you should make sure you read any specimen answers provided on Canvas and look at how and why the students who wrote these high-scoring essays have gained the marks they have.

How do I write an effective introduction?

At AS, there is no need for any introductions. In fact, according to the Chief Examiner, those who gained A grades “invariably started their essays very directly and did not waste time on any 'background' or 'setting the scene' - they got on with what they were asked to do - answer a question.” Your first sentence should give your overall verdict in ‘how far’ answers, which you then go on to prove in your essay.

At AL, it can be helpful to explain exactly what you understand by the title, and to list the factors you will consider, again, showing your overall view. Keep this very brief, however.

How do I write an effective conclusion?

Conclusions are important, and need to be more than a mere summary of points made to gain you a top grade. You need to ‘justify your judgement’ – i.e. explain why you believe certain factors or arguments to be more crucial or compelling than others. Examiners are likely to reward thoughtful and convincing attempts to do this, that show you are really engaging with the specific question. There is more specific advice for the various types of questions in the appropriate exam resources. Specimen answers are also invaluable for demonstrating successful conclusions.

How do I satisfy the requirement for precise evidence in my answers?

It is crucial that you back every point with some evidence, otherwise it is simply an empty assertion. Obviously, the nature of this evidence will vary according to the topic, but try to include a range of names, dates, statistics and brief quotations in your essays, as well as more general examples.

How do I comment on resources in Paper 1 (AS) and Paper 3 (A Level)?

These papers require particular techniques. It is really important that you read the detailed guidance in Tackling Your AS History Exams and Dos and Don'ts for Paper 3, both found in the General Resources section on Canvas.

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