Paper 2 Review and Practice

“The best responses revealed command of chronology, task identification, structure and above all the provision of relevant historical detail. It cannot be emphasized enough that answers must be supported by reference to historical knowledge.” “Too many responses suffered from a great [lack] of sufficient, relevant, accurate historical knowledge. Sweeping generalizations devoid of convincing historical substantiation seemed to characterize too many responses.” -May 2010 Historical Subject Report

Structure of Essay Introduction Introduction 3-4 sentences (including thesis sentence) Define terms/concepts in the question Address the question clearly and explicitly Include the direction of your essay (what is your argument?)

Structure of Essay Main Body Focus on one point per paragraph State what topic each paragraph is discussing Split up larger points into additional paragraphs Link these paragraphs together to improve clarity Main Body Para 1 Para 2 Para 3 Para 4 Para 5 Para 6

Structure of Essay Main Body Each paragraph should directly relate to the question Support everything with specific examples Use historiography to enhance (not replace) your analysis Main Body Para 1 Para 2 Para 3 Para 4 Para 5 Para 6

Structure of Essay Conclusion Conclusion must come back to the question Restate the main points of your argument Conclusion should be a direct answer to the question Conclusion

What Not to Do Tell a story Write general answers Avoid narrative and focus on analysis Write general answers Use slang/idioms/“expressive” language Spend too much time on one question ~50 minutes Stray from the question

Paper 2 Practice Using the following prompt complete each step in sequence: Brainstorm Develop a thesis Draft an outline Introduction 1 body paragraph (strongest point) “A European War rather than a World War”. To what extent do you agree with this judgment of the First World War? You will have 15 min to complete the following

Paper 2 Practice Using the following prompt complete each step in sequence: Brainstorm Develop a thesis Draft an outline Introduction 1 body paragraph (strongest point) “A European War rather than a World War”. To what extent do you agree with this judgment of the First World War? You will have 15 min to complete the following