OCR A-level History 20 markers

Any advice on how to structure the 20 markers in order to get an A*?

have three or four paragraphs (depending how much you can write in the time allowed). for each paragraph, have a specific theme, eg politics or economics (whatever fits with your module).

each paragraph should be in a hierarchical order (most important, largely important, somewhat important etc)

at the beginning of each paragraph introduce the theme with an evaluative sentence that links the theme back to the question eg
the most significant/important factor to X was the introduction of Y, largely because...

for each paragraph use a PEEL style format by using really specific evidence (dates, people, places, specific events etc) then explaining and analyzing why it is important. the final sentence in each paragraph has to link back to the question, so that you can access higher marks for analysis by showing that what you have written is relevant to get those higher marks.

you'll want a really short intro which just introduces your main factors and outlines your judgement/hierarchy.
Your conclusion will need to reflect this and just explain in more detail. and link back to the question.

hope this helps :smile:

Reply 2

2032

Original post by tash_c1ark

have three or four paragraphs (depending how much you can write in the time allowed). for each paragraph, have a specific theme, eg politics or economics (whatever fits with your module).
each paragraph should be in a hierarchical order (most important, largely important, somewhat important etc)
at the beginning of each paragraph introduce the theme with an evaluative sentence that links the theme back to the question eg
the most significant/important factor to X was the introduction of Y, largely because...
for each paragraph use a PEEL style format by using really specific evidence (dates, people, places, specific events etc) then explaining and analyzing why it is important. the final sentence in each paragraph has to link back to the question, so that you can access higher marks for analysis by showing that what you have written is relevant to get those higher marks.
you'll want a really short intro which just introduces your main factors and outlines your judgement/hierarchy.
Your conclusion will need to reflect this and just explain in more detail. and link back to the question.
hope this helps :smile:

This may be a late response but my exam is tommorow and thank you so much for that advice. Ive had a bad history teacher all year and i finally started to apply myself to the subject revising by my own, however ive always had awful paragraph structure and this really helped me.

Reply 3

lohiba

Original post by tinydance.r

Any advice on how to structure the 20 markers in order to get an A*?

Intro: explain your argument and how you'll support it. Make sure you clearly address the quextion. Explain your main factors from most to least important.
Main Body (2-3 paragraphs):

•

Point: Start each paragraph with a clear point that shows how the theme relates to the question, like "The most significant factor to X was the introduction of Y, largely because..."

•

Evidence: talk about dates, events, people, places to support your point. Be precise.

•

Analysis: Explain how this evidence justifies your point.

•

Link: Conclude each paragraph by linking back to the essay question.

•

Counterargument: In one of the paragraphs, introduce a counterargument and refute it.

Conclusion: Sum up your arguments, and make sure to clearly explain how they address the question.

Use this structure and practice previous mock exams, and you'll progress. You can use Tilf website to see the feedback you get on every paragraph so you clearly see if your structure is not correct and where you stand on mark.