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Essay Technique
Quick questions on The 20-mark period-study essay - OCR Ancient History technique
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is decode the command?Show answer
The command is the instruction: it tells you whether to rank causes, test a claim, or judge significance, and the answer must do exactly that.
What is organise thematically with precise detail?Show answer
The two habits that lift a period essay are thematic organisation and precise evidence: each paragraph weighs a factor and proves it with exact detail (the lex Gabinia of 67 BC, Salamis in 480 BC, the dictatorship for life in 44 BC).
What is structure towards a judgement?Show answer
Plan the introduction to state the thesis (which factor is most important, or how far the claim holds), the body to weigh each factor in ranked order with precise evidence, and the conclusion to confirm the judgement with reasons. The judgement should be visible from the start and earned through the body, not produced as a surprise in the final line.
What is q1?Show answer
Plan an answer to: "Augustus's control of the army was the main reason for the success of the principate. How far do you agree?" [20 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
What should a period essay be organised by, and why? [2 marks]
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