ADVANCED LEVEL HISTORY

Essay Writing
Writing essays in a very important skill that History candidates are expected to master in order to score higher
marks. If a candidate cannot produce a good essay, he or she will not do well no matter how much one knows
about a certain topic. At ‘A’ Level, examiners tend to insist on tricky aspects such as analysis rather that
narration or description, reacting to a given question, giving relevant supporting historical evidence as well as
balancing the essay. These skills take time to be mastered unless one is highly talented. The good thing is that
these skills can be learnt. So, for those in form five, don’t be despaired if you don’t do well during your first
assignment encounters. Listen to the teacher’s advice, going through his/her comments and follow what those
comments say.
An essay consists of three parts i.e. introduction, body and conclusion. The following are the steps to be taken
when writing an essay and I hope these steps will go a long way in assisting you in essay writing.

1. Introduction
-this is a continuous paragraph that acts as a sign post. It shows the direction of the essay.
-it should be short and focused (just like a lady’s skirt – interestingly short but long enough to cover the
essentials).
-the opening statement of the introduction should answer the question. This is the statement that carries
with it the candidate’s judgement. It should then be followed by supporting points (those that one will
consider in the body of the essay in supporting his/her judgement). These points will later be used in
formulating paragraphs, each point forming its own.
-the introduction should be balanced i.e. should show the other interpretation of the question or the
other side of the essay.
-more points should support the candidate’s judgement. A 60:40, 70:30 or 80:20 balance is encouraged.

2. Body
-this is where one proves his case.
-this part consists of several paragraphs (not less than six pregnant paragraphs, excluding the
introduction and conclusion).
-the following steps should be respected, at all costs, when formulating paragraphs to avoid getting lost
along the way:
 Opening statement
-this should react to the question. It can be referred to as a re-statement or a topic sentence for
each paragragh.
-This statement singles out a clear point of reference which makes the subject of a paragragh.
(e.g. on the importance of archaeology: ‘Provision of almost accurate dates in one of the
strengths of archaeology …’
 Amplification
-this is the alternative explanation and expansion of the point stated in the first sentence or
restatement. (e.g. amplification of the above point on archaeology: ‘These dates can be
provided through the radio carbon 14 dating system which is a scientific method of
establishing past dates after examining past remains.’
 Exemplification
-this involves giving supporting evidence (relevant examples).
-these can be presented in the form of figures and dates, names of places and personalities as
well as details of events in the jargon of an historical perspective such as curva, prazo,
prazeros etc.
NB. Only relevant examples should be cited because not everything about the topic can be an
example. Ensure that correct spellings of names of places and people are given.
 Evaluation
-this is the process of linking the discussed issues to the general demands of the question.
-it usually begins with discourse markers appropriately used to show effect eg. Thus …,
therefore …, Hence …
NB. Evaluation should be focused on the raised point rather than being general. Candidates
should avoid over repetition of words used in the question. Evaluation should also show the
relationship or lack of it to a discussed idea to the general flow of the argument. (e.g.
‘Therefore, archaeology is very important in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe’s history
because it provides dates of past societies as shown above.’)
-All paragraphs in the body of the essay should show connection and smooth flow of ideas
through use of discourse markers e.g.
 ‘However,’ – used to show the effect or result of a process OR to shift to the other side of the
essay.
‘Compounding this,’ – to relate a concept that worsens a process.
‘In addition,’ – where a concept that is related to a previously stated item is added.
‘Moreover,’ – to show a further matter or related point.
‘On the other hand,’ – to shift to the other side of the essay OR when comparing two different
points etc.

3. Conclusion
-this is where the candidate sums up what he or she discussed in the essay. It is here where the
candidate draws the threads of his/her argument and hammers home his points, leaving the examiner in
no doubt concerning the answer.
-at this stage, the candidate re-emphasise the line of argument in the essay.
-it is more like repeating the introduction but using different words and strengthening one’s line of
argument in the process.

Compiled by Machenjera P.
-Master of Arts in African History (Midlands State University)
-Bachelor of Arts 4th Year Hons. In History (Great Zimbabwe University)
-Bachelor of Arts – General (Great Zimbabwe University)