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This page contains practical tips on how to effectively structure clear short-answer responses to history questions. It will guide you on how to break down the question, use evidence well and logically organise your ideas.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is a Short-Answer Response?
What is a Short-Answer Response?
A short-answer response in history is a concise answer that directly addresses a question/all parts of a question using relevant historical knowledge and evidence. It is usually around 1 paragraph in length, depending on the marks allocated to the question. Short-answer responses typically do not include unnecessary detail and do not require full introductions or conclusions.
Syllabus Links
Syllabus Links
The short-answer question below is based on the Stage 5 (Year 9-10) History Syllabus on World War One, Depth Study 3, Australians at War: World War I (1914-1918)
Syllabus Links
Syllabus Links
Focusing on the Syllabus dot point -
The scope and nature of warfare
Students:
Describe the nature of warfare during the Gallipoli campaign
Learning Outcomes -
The student:
Explains and analyses the causes and effects of events and developments in the modern world and Australia
Explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the modern world and Australia
Applies a range of relevant historical terms and concepts when communicating an understanding of the past
Skills Outcomes -
The student:
HT5-5 identifies and evaluates the usefulness of sources in the historical inquiry process
HT5-6 uses relevant evidence from sources to support historical narratives, explanations and analyses of the modern world and Australia
HT5-7 explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the modern world and Australia
How to write and structure a short answer Response
How to write and structure a short answer Response
Step 1 - Break down the question
Step 1 - Break down the question
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.
Labelling the Question
Labelling the Question
Sample Question (4 marks)
Sample Question (4 marks)
This is an example of a history question you are likely to get at this year level.
Sample Question Labelled (4 marks)
Sample Question Labelled (4 marks)
This is an annotated version of the same sample question seen on the left. It breaks down the main keywords/phrases in the question.
Steps in answering all parts of the sample question above:
Steps in answering all parts of the sample question above:
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 prompt is "Describe", which means we have to provide some features and characteristics of trench warfare in World War One.
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, the question is asking you to identify and describe two ways that Australian soldiers experienced trench warfare in World War One.
Step 3 - Identify the subject/topic that is inflicting the effect/causing change. In this case, the subject/topic in the question is trench warfare in World War One. By now, you would be thinking of the information you learnt in this unit of study.
Step 4 - Identify the subject/topic that is being impacted by the cause/source. In this case, it is Australian soldiers. By now, you would be thinking about how trench warfare impacted the experiences of Australian soldiers in the war.
Step 5 - Keep your examples and evidence in your answer within the time frame specified in the question. In this case, it is World War One.
Step 2 - Examine the Criteria
Step 2 - Examine the Criteria
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
(4 marks)
Clearly describes two distinct experiences of trench warfare with detail that is accurate and relevant.
Demonstrates strong historical understanding and uses appropriate historical terms.
(3 marks)
Describes two relevant experiences, though one may be more comprehensive than the other.
Shows a good understanding of the historical content.
(2 marks)
Identifies one clear experience with some relevant detail, or provides two limited descriptions that may be vague.
(1 mark)
Mentions one general aspect of trench warfare with little detail.
(0 marks)
Response is irrelevant and off-topic.
Step 3 - Write an Answer
Step 3 - Write an Answer
The third 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.
Example of a strong short-answer response to the sample question:
Example of a strong short-answer response to the sample question:
Sample Question:
Describe two ways in which Australian soldiers experienced trench warfare during World War One. (4 marks)
Sample Answer:
Australian soldiers in World War I faced harsh and dangerous conditions while fighting in the trenches. One experience was the constant exposure to mud, lice, rats and diseases such as trench foot, which soldiers got when standing in cold, wet conditions for long periods of time. The trenches were overcrowded, unsanitary and often filled with the smell of rotting corpses. A voice recording of an Australian World War One soldier named Private Eric Abraham said that rats "nibbled at his hair," which shows the unsanitary conditions in the trenches. Another key experience was the emotional and psychological toll that may have been caused by the constant shellfire, fear of being attacked and witnessing the death of friends and family members. Soldiers often wrote letters and diary entries containing information and recounts of the artillery bombardments that happened during the day and night. This caused many to suffer from what was later known as shell shock. Therefore, experiences related to physical hardship and psychological trauma made trench warfare a brutal experience for Australian soldiers in World War One.
Colour coded copy of the sample answer, based on the steps in 'Breaking Down the Question'
Sample Answer:
Australian soldiers in World War I faced harsh and dangerous conditions while fighting in the trenches. One experience was the constant exposure to mud, lice, rats and diseases such as trench foot, which soldiers got when standing in cold, wet conditions for long periods of time. The trenches were overcrowded, unsanitary and often filled with the smell of rotting corpses. A voice recording of an Australian World War One soldier named Private Eric Abraham said that rats "nibbled at his hair," which shows the unsanitary conditions in the trenches. Another key experience was the emotional and psychological toll that may have been caused by the constant shellfire, fear of being attacked and witnessing the death of friends and family members. Soldiers often wrote letters and diary entries containing information and recounts of the artillery bombardments that happened during the day and night. This caused many to suffer from what was later known as shell shock. Therefore, experiences related to physical hardship and psychological trauma made trench warfare a brutal experience for Australian soldiers in World War I.
Key -
Question prompt
Quantity
Subject/Topic (Cause)
Subject/Topic (Impacted)
Time Period
Step 4 - Check that your answer meets the Criteria
Step 4 - Check that your answer meets the Criteria
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
Example of reviewing your response with the marking criteria
Feel free to set up your work like below:
Sample Answer:
Australian soldiers in World War I faced harsh and dangerous conditions while fighting in the trenches. One experience was the constant exposure to mud, lice, rats and diseases such as trench foot, which soldiers got when standing in cold, wet conditions for long periods of time. The trenches were overcrowded, unsanitary and often filled with the smell of rotting corpses. A voice recording of an Australian World War One soldier named Private Eric Abraham said that rats "nibbled at his hair," which shows the unsanitary conditions in the trenches. Another key experience was the emotional and psychological toll that may have been caused by the constant shellfire, fear of being attacked and witnessing the death of friends and family members. Soldiers often wrote letters and diary entries containing information and recounts of the artillery bombardments that happened during the day and night. This caused many to suffer from what was later known as shell shock. Therefore, experiences related to physical hardship and psychological trauma made trench warfare a brutal experience for Australian soldiers in World War One.
Final Mark: This sample response would get 4/4 as it achieves all elements of the criteria in the top band.
Marking Criteria:
(4 marks)
Clearly describes two distinct experiences of trench warfare with detail that is accurate and relevant.
Demonstrates strong historical understanding and uses appropriate historical terms.
(3 marks)
Describes two relevant experiences, though one may be more comprehensive than the other.
Shows a good understanding of the historical content.
(2 marks)
Identifies one clear experience with some relevant detail, or provides two limited descriptions that may be vague.
(1 mark)
Mentions one general aspect of trench warfare with little detail.
(0 marks)
Response is irrelevant and off-topic.
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