This page contains practical tips on how to effectively structure a clear and comprehensive history essay. It will guide you on how to break down the question, use evidence well and logically organise your ideas.
History essays typically contain references to both primary and secondary sources, which are analysed to respond to the question or prompt. They are usually worth between 15 and 25 marks and require a clear thesis (or consistent argument), supported by evidence and analysis. History essays follow a formal structure, consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Below is an example of a Stage 4 (Year 7-8) essay question based on ancient Egypt, Depth Study 2, The Mediterranean World.
Focusing on the Syllabus dot points -
Roles of key groups in the ancient society (Egypt), including the influence of law and religion. Students:
describe the roles of appropriate key groups in the ancient society (Egypt), eg the ruling elite, the nobility, citizens (Greece and Rome), bureaucracy, women and slaves
describe the everyday life of men, women and children in the ancient society (Egypt)
Learning Outcomes -
The student:
uses evidence from sources to support historical narratives and explanations HT4-6
uses a range of historical terms and concepts when communicating an understanding of the past HT4-9 › selects and uses appropriate oral, written, visual and digital forms to communicate about the past HT4-10
Skills Outcomes -
The student:
HT4-5 identifies the meaning, purpose and context of historical sources
HT4-6 uses evidence from sources to support historical narratives and explanations
HT4-7 identifies and describes different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past
The first step is to carefully unpack the question by identifying its key components and focus areas. This will help you understand what is being asked of you and ensures that you address every part of the question in your response.
This is an example of a history question you are likely to get at this year level.
This is an annotated version of the same sample question seen on the left. It breaks down the main keywords/phrases in the question.
Step 1 - Identify the question prompt in the question (e.g. What, Identify, Summarise, etc...) so that you understand what the question is asking you to do, and how it wants you to answer it. You may underline or circle the verb. In this case, the question prompt is 'explain', which requires you to describe the causes and effects of education and how it influenced a person's social position in ancient Egypt.
Step 2 - Look for any numbers or quantities in the question to understand how many points, effects, or arguments, etc., you need to include in your response. This ensures you fully address all parts of the question. In this case, we can infer that at least three main arguments need to be made as the essay is worth 15 marks.
Step 3 - Find any keywords in the question that command you to answer.
Step 4 - Identify the subject/topic that is inflicting the effect/causing change. In this case, the topic is education and we are trying to demonstrate how education impacts a person's social standing.
Step 5 - Identify the subject/topic that is being impacted by the cause/source. In this case, the subject being impacted by education is one's social standing.
Step 6 - Keep your examples and evidence in your answer within the time frame specified in the question. In this case, the time frame is ancient Egypt which is around 3100 BCE -30 BCE.
If a criterion is provided to you, your next step is to examine it carefully and understand what is required in your answer. Your goal should be to meet the expectations of the highest mark band (highlighted below).
Below is an example of a general criterion for the sample question
(13-15 marks)
Provides a clear and detailed explanation of how education influenced social standing in ancient Egypt.
Demonstrates a strong historical understanding, including accurate and relevant details about education, social hierarchy and roles of individuals.
Supports explanation with specific evidence (e.g. priests, priestesses, scribes, etc.)
Shows awareness of causes and effects.
Clear and logical structure.
Historical terms and concepts are used appropriately and effectively.
(10-12 marks)
Gives a clear explanation of the connection between education and social hierarchy.
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the topic with mostly relevant evidence.
Some cause-and-effect relationships are communicated.
Uses some historical terminology correctly.
Response is generally well-structured and clear.
(7-9 marks)
Provides a general explanation with some relevant information.
Demonstrates a basic understanding of education and social roles.
Evidence may be limited or not fully developed.
Some use of historical terms and concepts, though inconsistently.
Structure may be uneven or may lack clarity in areas.
(4-6 marks)
Offers a partial explanation with minimal detail.
Shows a limited understanding of the topic.
Evidence is vague and mostly descriptive.
Limited use of historical terms and concepts.
Structure is unclear or poorly developed.
(1-3 marks)
Provides a minimal or unclear explanation.
Little to no relevant historical content.
Few or no historical terms.
Lacks a clear structure.
(0 marks)
No relevant response.
Entirely off-topic.
The third step is to plan for your essay by creating a basic structure of your points, evidence and analysis before writing it. This will help you see your arguments and evidence clearly and maintain a logical structure. This should be brief, as you will be given the chance to elaborate and add detail to your points in your actual essay. For Stage 4, you should be aiming to include at least one piece of evidence per body paragraph.
General Scaffold for your essay:
Introduction
A full sentence that restates the question or topic in your own words.
Introduce your thesis statement - this is your main argument or answer to the question.
Introduce your arguments/points briefly.
Body Paragraphs (have at least 3 body paragraphs)
Topic sentence - Start with your main argument/point of this paragraph.
Evidence - Support your point with evidence and examples. Evidence can include primary and secondary sources, statistics, research findings, credible quotes, etc.
Explanation - This is where you show your understanding by elaborating on your point/argument and explaining how and why your evidence supports your point.
Link - The last sentence should support your argument/point OR link this point to the next paragraph.
Conclusion
Restate your thesis (main argument) in a different way.
Summarise your key points.
End with a final thought that connects to the essay question/prompt.
TEEL Structure for Body Paragraphs:
T - Topic sentence
E - Evidence to support the topic
E - Explanation
L - Link
Essay Plan for the Sample Essay Question
Introduction
A full sentence that restates the question or topic in your own words.
In ancient Egypt, education was very important and helped determine a person's place in society.
Introduce your thesis statement - this is your main argument or answer to the question.
People who received an education had more chances to get good jobs and gain respect in society.
Introduce your arguments/points briefly.
People such as scribes, priestesses, priests, government officials, and pharaohs were examples of individuals whose education influenced their position in society.
Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence - Start with your main argument/point of this paragraph.
People training to become a scribe received an education which determined their high social standing in ancient Egypt.
Evidence - Support your point with evidence and examples. Evidence can include primary and secondary sources, statistics, research findings, credible quotes, etc.
The book 'Satire of the Trades' which is a primary source.
Explanation - This is where you show your understanding by elaborating on your point/argument and explaining how and why your evidence supports your point.
The 'Satire of the Trades' shows that being a scribe was desired to earn respect and status.
Scribes were often from rich family backgrounds and could therefore receive an education.
Scribes worked in government, temple, wrote letters and kept tax records.
Scribes had more authority and comfort because of their education compared to farmers and peasants.
Scribes could read and write which were specialised skills. This meant they were respected in ancient Egypt.
Link - The last sentence should support your argument/point OR link this point to the next paragraph.
Therefore, scribes were respected and had a high position in the social hierarchy because of their education.
Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence - Start with your main argument/point of this paragraph.
Education helped people enter/transition into high-status and respected positions such as priests, priestesses and government officials.
Evidence - Support your point with evidence and examples. Evidence can include primary and secondary sources, statistics, research findings, credible quotes, etc.
The vizier Ptahhotep and his guide called "The Instructions of Ptahhotep."
Explanation - This is where you show your understanding by elaborating on your point/argument and explaining how and why your evidence supports your point.
The vizier Ptahhotep and his guide "The Instructions of Ptahhotep" is a real-life example of a person who had respect and status in society because of his education and ability to educate other viziers.
Government officials, priests and priestesses needed to know how to read and write to do their jobs. Education allowed this.
Education allowed these people to gain respect and status from society.
These positions were highly sought after, as having an education was not common.
Link - The last sentence should support your argument/point OR link this point to the next paragraph.
Therefore, educated allowed people to be priests, priestesses and government officials and gave them the skills to do their jobs well.
Body Paragraph 3
Topic sentence - Start with your main argument/point of this paragraph.
Education helped pharaohs rule effectively and helped them maintain their status.
Evidence - Support your point with evidence and examples. Evidence can include primary and secondary sources, statistics, research findings, credible quotes, etc.
Nefertari and her letters to the Hittite queen, Puduhepa.
Explanation - This is where you show your understanding by elaborating on your point/argument and explaining how and why your evidence supports your point.
Nefertari and her letters to the Hittite queen show how her education helped her maintain her power and positive relations with other kingdoms.
Pharaohs were educated in reading, writing, arithmetic and religious knowledge.
Pharaohs used their education to help them lead armies, manage taxes, and communicate with officials and priests.
Link - The last sentence should support your argument/point OR link this point to the next paragraph.
Therefore, pharaoh's were educated to help maintain the power, status and gave them the skills to do their duties well.
Conclusion
Restate your thesis (main argument) in a different way.
In conclusion, education was important in ancient Egypt as it helped determine people's place in society.
Summarise your key points.
People such as scribes, priests, priestesses, government officials and pharaohs benefited from having an education as it helped them maintain their status in highly skilled jobs.
End with a final thought that connects to the essay question/prompt.
Those without an education tend to stay in low-class jobs like farm work.
The fourth step is to combine your writing skills and content knowledge to create an answer. Your answer should do what the question is asking of you and should address all parts of the question. Below is an example of an essay responding to the sample question.
Sample Question: Explain how education affected a person's social standing in ancient Egypt?
Colour Coded Sample Answer:
In ancient Egypt, education was very important and helped determine a person's place in society. People who received an education had more chances to get good jobs and be respected. This included scribes, priests, priestesses, government officials and pharaohs. Most people did not go to school, so those who did were highly regarded and often had a high social status.
One of the most important jobs that required an education was being a scribe. Scribes were people who could read and write. They worked in the government, temples, or for rich people. They wrote letters and tax records. Scribes were trained from a young age and had to go to special schools. For example, a book called "The Satire of the Trades" is a primary source where a father advises his son to become a scribe instead of doing physical work. This shows that being a scribe was desired as it meant having more authority and comfort compared to lower-class jobs. Because reading and writing were uncommon skills in ancient Egypt, scribes were respected in society and had better lives than most of the population, who were farmers, labourers and peasants.
Education also helped people become priests, priestesses or government workers. Priests and priestesses needed to know how to read religious books and spells to perform special ceremonies. Government officials like the Viziers and the Nomarchs had to be able to know how to count, read, and understand laws and requirements from the Pharaoh. These positions were valued and sought after in society as only educated people could properly execute these important jobs for the proper functioning of ancient Egyptian society. One example is the famous vizier named Ptahhotep, who wrote a guide called "The Instructions of Ptahhotep" to teach officials how to behave wisely and to lead well. His education allowed him to gain respect and influence in the royal court. Therefore, education allowed people to become government officials, priests and priestesses, which were high-status jobs in ancient Egyptian society.
Education also helped pharaohs rule effectively and maintain their high social status. They were taught important skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic and religious knowledge so that they could lead armies, manage taxes and communicate with officials and priests. One example is Queen Nefertari, the wife of Pharaoh Rameses II. She was highly educated and known for her ability to read and write hieroglyphs, which was extremely rare, especially for women. Nefertari wrote letters to the Hittite queen Puduhepa, talking about the positive relations between their husbands and the gifts that she gave her. This is an example of how Nefertari's literacy skills helped maintain good relations with the Hittite royal family. Her education allowed her to play an important role in religious ceremonies and political life, which strengthened her position and influence as queen. Therefore, education helped pharaohs maintain their status and gave them the skills to do their jobs well.
In conclusion, education was very important in ancient Egypt because it helped people get better jobs and a higher status. People with education could become scribes, priests, priestesses or officials. Those without an education stayed in low-class jobs like peasant or farm work. Education helped keep society organised and gave more power to the people who had it.
Key:
Introduction
Body paragraph
Topic sentence
Evidence
Explanation
Link
Conclusion
Sample Answer (not colour coded):
In ancient Egypt, education was very important and helped determine a person's place in society. People who received an education had more chances to get good jobs and be respected. This included scribes, priests, priestesses, government officials and pharaohs. Most people did not go to school, so those who did were highly regarded and often had a high social status.
One of the most important jobs that required an education was being a scribe. Scribes were people who could read and write. They worked in the government, temples, or for rich people. They wrote letters and tax records. Scribes were trained from a young age and had to go to special schools. For example, a book called "The Satire of the Trades" is a primary source where a father advises his son to become a scribe instead of doing physical work. This shows that being a scribe was desired as it meant having more authority and comfort compared to lower-class jobs. Because reading and writing were uncommon skills in ancient Egypt, scribes were respected in society and had better lives than most of the population, who were farmers, labourers and peasants.
Education also helped people become priests, priestesses or government workers. Priests and priestesses needed to know how to read religious books and spells to perform special ceremonies. Government officials like the Viziers and the Nomarchs had to be able to know how to count, read, and understand laws and requirements from the Pharaoh. These positions were valued and sought after in society as only educated people could properly execute these important jobs for the proper functioning of ancient Egyptian society. One example is the famous vizier named Ptahhotep, who wrote a guide called "The Instructions of Ptahhotep" to teach officials how to behave wisely and to lead well. His education allowed him to gain respect and influence in the royal court. Therefore, education allowed people to become government officials, priests and priestesses, which were high-status jobs in ancient Egyptian society.
Education also helped pharaohs rule effectively and maintain their high social status. They were taught important skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic and religious knowledge so that they could lead armies, manage taxes and communicate with officials and priests. One example is Queen Nefertari, the wife of Pharaoh Rameses II. She was highly educated and known for her ability to read and write hieroglyphs, which was extremely rare, especially for women. Nefertari wrote letters to the Hittite queen Puduhepa, talking about the positive relations between their husbands and the gifts that she gave her. This is an example of how Nefertari's literacy skills helped maintain good relations with the Hittite royal family. Her education allowed her to play an important role in religious ceremonies and political life, which strengthened her position and influence as queen. Therefore, education helped pharaohs maintain their status and gave them the skills to do their jobs well.
In conclusion, education was very important in ancient Egypt because it helped people get better jobs and a higher status. People with education could become scribes, priests, priestesses or officials. Those without an education stayed in low-class jobs like peasant or farm work. Education helped keep society organised and gave more power to the people who had it.
The final step is to review your response to ensure it addresses all parts of the question and meets the criteria. If a marking criterion is provided, keep it beside you and use it as a checklist while re-reading your answer to confirm you have covered everything required.
Example of reviewing your response with the marking criteria
Feel free to set up your work like below:
Sample Answer:
In ancient Egypt, education was very important and helped determine a person's place in society. People who received an education had more chances to get good jobs and be respected. This included scribes, priests, priestesses, government officials and pharaohs. Most people did not go to school, so those who did were highly regarded and often had a high social status.
One of the most important jobs that required an education was being a scribe. Scribes were people who could read and write. They worked in the government, temples, or for rich people. They wrote letters and tax records. Scribes were trained from a young age and had to go to special schools. For example, a book called "The Satire of the Trades" is a primary source where a father advises his son to become a scribe instead of doing physical work. This shows that being a scribe was desired as it meant having more authority and comfort compared to lower-class jobs. Because reading and writing were uncommon skills in ancient Egypt, scribes were respected in society and had better lives than most of the population, who were farmers, labourers and peasants.
Education also helped people become priests, priestesses or government workers. Priests and priestesses needed to know how to read religious books and spells to perform special ceremonies. Government officials like the Viziers and the Nomarchs had to be able to know how to count, read, and understand laws and requirements from the Pharaoh. These positions were valued and sought after in society as only educated people could properly execute these important jobs for the proper functioning of ancient Egyptian society. One example is the famous vizier named Ptahhotep, who wrote a guide called "The Instructions of Ptahhotep" to teach officials how to behave wisely and to lead well. His education allowed him to gain respect and influence in the royal court. Therefore, education allowed people to become government officials, priests and priestesses, which were high-status jobs in ancient Egyptian society.
Education also helped pharaohs rule effectively and maintain their high social status. They were taught important skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic and religious knowledge so that they could lead armies, manage taxes and communicate with officials and priests. One example is Queen Nefertari, the wife of Pharaoh Rameses II. She was highly educated and known for her ability to read and write hieroglyphs, which was extremely rare, especially for women. Nefertari wrote letters to the Hittite queen Puduhepa, talking about the positive relations between their husbands and the gifts that she gave her. This is an example of how Nefertari's literacy skills helped maintain good relations with the Hittite royal family. Her education allowed her to play an important role in religious ceremonies and political life, which strengthened her position and influence as queen. Therefore, education helped pharaohs maintain their status and gave them the skills to do their jobs well.
In conclusion, education was very important in ancient Egypt because it helped people get better jobs and a higher status. People with education could become scribes, priests, priestesses or officials. Those without an education stayed in low-class jobs like peasant or farm work. Education helped keep society organised and gave more power to the people who had it.
Final Mark: This sample essay would get in the top (13-15 mark) band as it achieves all elements of the criteria.
Marking Criteria:
(13-15 marks)
Provides a clear and detailed explanation of how education influenced social standing in ancient Egypt.
Demonstrates a strong historical understanding, including accurate and relevant details about education, social hierarchy and roles of individuals.
Supports explanation with specific evidence (e.g. priests, priestesses, scribes, etc.)
Shows awareness of causes and effects.
Clear and logical structure. This is maintained throughout the essay as it contains an introduction, three distinct body pararaphs and a conclusion. The TEEL body paragraph structure is also utilised.
Historical terms and concepts are used appropriately and effectively.