[x-emz-x]

we have been gven an essay to write which is:

"As leader of Germany, Hitler must be held solely responsible for the Holocaust" Do you agree with this statement?

I'm not sure how to set this essay out because I know that I have to write about everyone who could be to blame. Could you please give me some tips?

thanks emz x x

[Mr Field]

This sounds like the same question that another student has posted in the 13 and under forum:
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/studentforu...?showtopic=2566

Could you confirm which yeargroup you are in? I gave some advice to the previous question thinking it was a Year 9 student. However, this advice would be different if this is for GCSE.

Just in general, if you are given a statement to argue with there are a number of ways to answer the question. However, you must always focus on the statement in the question. So, you could:

1. Start by explaining what you feel the statement means - perhaps with some background detail. Here you really need to focus on the statement - which are the key words?
2. Then you could work on ideas, backing them up with clear evidence and explanation that support the statement - i.e. explaining why you agree that Hitler should be help solely responsible.
3. Then you could do the same, but for ideas that go against the statement.
4. Finally conclude with your carefully summarised and thought out opinion that you've developed through the essay. You can conclude with phrases like "Having considered both sides of this, I feel that....". Also don't forget that you don't have to just 'agree' or 'disagree'.

Anyway, this is one way to answer such a question. As I have said, focus on what the question actually asks you though, rather than a need to examine each and every person who was involved in the holocaust in some way.

[x-emz-x]

Thanks for the help!! i am in yr 9 but our teacher said that this essay is more of a GCSE type question or something so i thought it would be easier if i put the post in this topic.