History essays are widely used to assess and evaluate students’ progress in history. History essays test a range of skills, including understanding history, interpretation and analysis, essay topics planning, research, and writing. To write an effective essay, students need to research the question, understand its purpose and requirements, obtain information and evidence through research, and then compose a clear and well-organized response.

Writing a good history essay should be rigorous and challenging for even the strongest students. Like other skills, the ability to write an essay develops and improves over time. Each essay you complete helps you become more competent and confident.

Research the question

This is obvious advice, but unfortunately, some students overlook it. The first step to writing a good essay, regardless of the subject or topic, is to think well about the question.

A topic question poses a specific problem or challenge to you. It may ask you, as an essay writer, to explain the causes and/or consequences of a certain event or situation. It may ask you if you agree or disagree with a statement. It may ask you to describe and analyze the causes and/or consequences of a certain action or event. Or you may be asked to assess the relative importance of a person, group, or event.

To begin, you should read the essay question several times. Underline, highlight, or annotate key words or terms in the text of the question. Think about what it asks you to do. Who or what do you want to focus on? Is it pointing to or implying a specific time period? What problem or issue does he/she want you to address?

Useful resources:

HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY: A COMPLETE GUIDE
The short essay
How to write a short essay: tips for getting started