[Democracy]

Hi everyone

Basically, i'm very stuck on essay technique for this unit (Unit 4 - Expansion and Aggression: German Foreign Policy, 1933-39). I can't get above a C even though i have read up a lot on the facts and perspectives - its definitely my essay structure and technique. I need an A to meet my offer for uni .

So can someone please give me some advice on how to structure my essay to get the grade i need or point me in the right direction towards a good publication which will teach me how to do so?

A lot of thanks in advance.

[MrJohnDClare]

This is a common problem at A-level.
If you do a forum search on
+essay +technique
you will find a number of threads discussing this, notably this one.

But by far the best bet for you is to find your exam-paper on the Board website and track down an exam markscheme.
Then you will be able to see how the examiner awards marks for what, and you will be better able to give him what he wants to see in the exam.
If you can't find a markscheme, if you give me details of the Board/paper I will see if I can help.

[Democracy]

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I found the markscheme from my fronter at college but i was intrigued on what this part of the markscheme meant:


Level 4 Sustained argument
The answer is analytical and offers valid judgements, which show explicit
understanding of the issues appropriate to the question. Relevant knowledge is
detailed, appropriately selected and deployed to produce a developed
evaluation of these issues through the answer. Writing will be controlled, welldirected,
lucid and coherent throughout. The candidate’s ability to analyse
complex historical ideas will be fully matched by an ability to convey that
analysis with confidence and cogency. Syntax will be secure throughout and
only very occasionally will spelling errors be encountered.
(44-54)

Level 5 Sustained evaluative argument
The answer is wholly analytical and offers valid, sustained and appropriately
critical judgements, which show explicit understanding of all the issues
appropriate to the question. Relevant knowledge is appropriately detailed and
is precisely and critically selected to support developed evaluation of the
issues throughout the answer. Writing will be well-controlled, well-directed,
lucid and coherent throughout. The candidate’s ability to analyse complex
historical ideas will be fully matched by an ability to convey that analysis with
confidence and cogency. Syntax will show awareness of style and spelling
errors will be rare.
(55-60)




Does that mean to secure top marks i need to be authoratitive and make a decision at the end of every paragraph?




The main thing though, is that i am particularly stuck on the 'To what extent' a level questions. Just point me towards a essay structure to tackle this type of question effectively and it'll be great!

[MrJohnDClare]

Democracy, on May 25 2009, 10:29 AM, said:

Does that mean to secure top marks i need to be authoratitive and make a decision at the end of every paragraph?

No - but each paragraph will build towards the final authoritative decision in your conclusion.

Quote

The main thing though, is that i am particularly stuck on the 'To what extent' a level questions. Just point me towards a essay structure to tackle this type of question effectively and it'll be great!

Easy - tre them as either-or questions -- see this thread.