History: general overview of How to write GCSE essay (s)

How do I write my answer??

Tips for structuring the essays. 

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Question 1

(it can be inferred from) Source A (suggests/implies) that ...was “(quote here)” because...

  • Use x3 pieces of evidence to support the above
  • Don’t paraphrase/copy  
  • Think about the context and the circumstances. 
  • make at least 2 inferences 
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Question 2

What is being suggested? What is happening in the poster/text? Why was this source published?

This source shows... (Content)

The message of the source... (What is being suggested?)

The purpose of the source... (What did people hope would be achieved by this source?)

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Question 3

The sources...support the view that....because...

Source A is a...and is from...and was produced as...it suggests that...

Source B is a...and is from...and was produced as...it suggests that...

Source C is a...and is from...and was produced as...it suggests that...

Overall...

CONSIDER N, O, and P and make a decisive judgement

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Question 4

the sources are useful because...

the sources are reliable because...

NOP...

Possible limitations/weaknesses...

overall, they convey the message that/help me to understand....

Useful: with relevance, it can give you a conclusion and it is an aid in providing you with an answer. never say that it's not useful!!

Reliability: the source isn't biased and is accurate and states a lot of facts. Also look at the intended audience and the period that it was written in.  

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Question 5

decide whether you (dis)agree with the statement

support judgement with evidence from the sources and your own knowledge.

highlight/underline points for and against vthe view of all sources

take account of N, O, P.

to get to the top level:

look for dates, names and events.

explain at the start whether you agree or disagree and at the end to make a decision.

use your own knowledge and not just the sources.

which side of the argument is more accurate?

give a balanced viewpoint. 

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Tips

  • Read/look at sources with a pen-straightaway, easy analysis.
  • Underline keywords.
  • Quote keywords to make a point in relevance to the question.
  • When starting an answer: Source __ suggests/implies that___ was "__" because ____ (back up with three supporting parts per paragraph)
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Question 5 cont...

There were...major changes because (make own aspect completely clear)

sources___suggest that (evidence from sources to support)

in addition, this evidence is supported by (own knowledge-support sources' evidence) _____

On the other hand, sources__suggest that (explain how some sources contradict your view) ________

in addition, this evidence is supported by (own knowledge-support sources' evidence) _____

However, overall, it is clear that (explain why you believe your view is more appropriate) 

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Thank you-hope you found this useful. 

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