[emma237]

I know the key to A grade essays in history is structure! But what about the structure?! What tips would you give to achieve an A at a level history, thanks!

[Mr. D. Bryant]

Structure is important, of course. And Mr. Clare will probably be able to give you some definite advice. However, it would be helpful if you could let us know which exam board (OCR, Edexcel?), Unit and subject(s) you are doing so that we can give you some specific help.

One thing I would suggest is that the best candidates tend to have 'read around' their subject, i.e. not just sections of the textbook but other relevant sources.

[MrJohnDClare]

emma237, on Nov 2 2009, 07:20 PM, said:

I know the key to A grade essays in history is structure! But what about the structure?! What tips would you give to achieve an A at a level history, thanks!

Mr Bryant is correct.
Every question has an appropriate structure - but the structure is only a vehicle to organise the content and ideas - so it needs all three, really.
If you go onto your exam board website and click around, you will be able to find past papers and markschemes.
The past papers will allow you to see the kind of questions they ask.
And the markschemes will allow you to see where/how the marks are allocated (that will tell you precisely what you need to do to get an A)
It is worthwhile spending some time mulling over these and - when you get given an essay - look up the markscheme for a similar style of essay, to see what you might be expected to produce.
Try to get that you can predict the mark your essay will get before you hand it in.