Most students lose marks in History not because they lack knowledge, but because they answer a slightly different question from the one on the paper, or retell events instead of building an argument.
Both problems are decided before you write a single sentence. They are planning problems, and this guide fixes them.
What's inside
Twelve pages taking one VCE essay question the whole way through, from first reading to finished conclusion.
Six planning steps — deconstructing the question, brainstorming, grouping your points, writing a contention and topic sentences
An annotated model essay — introduction, body paragraph and conclusion, colour-coded so you can see exactly where marks are earned
A blank planning template — for use on your own questions, again and again
Common mistakes — the five ways strong students lose marks on this task
Written for the current study design
Built against the VCAA History study design 2022–2026, by a qualified, VIT-registered classroom teacher who writes VCE resources for Edrolo and delivers professional development for the History Teachers' Association of Victoria.
Which revolution is it for?
The worked example uses the French Revolution, but the method is not specific to one revolution. Every step applies equally to the American, Russian and Chinese revolutions. Only the evidence changes.
Please note
This is a skills guide, not a course guide. It teaches you how to plan and write a History essay. It does not summarise course content or supply revision notes.
Instant digital download. PDF, 12 pages, A4.
Most students lose marks in History not because they lack knowledge, but because they answer a slightly different question from the one on the paper, or retell events instead of building an argument.
Both problems are decided before you write a single sentence. They are planning problems, and this guide fixes them.
What's inside
Twelve pages taking one VCE essay question the whole way through, from first reading to finished conclusion.
Six planning steps — deconstructing the question, brainstorming, grouping your points, writing a contention and topic sentences
An annotated model essay — introduction, body paragraph and conclusion, colour-coded so you can see exactly where marks are earned
A blank planning template — for use on your own questions, again and again
Common mistakes — the five ways strong students lose marks on this task
Written for the current study design
Built against the VCAA History study design 2022–2026, by a qualified, VIT-registered classroom teacher who writes VCE resources for Edrolo and delivers professional development for the History Teachers' Association of Victoria.
Which revolution is it for?
The worked example uses the French Revolution, but the method is not specific to one revolution. Every step applies equally to the American, Russian and Chinese revolutions. Only the evidence changes.
Please note
This is a skills guide, not a course guide. It teaches you how to plan and write a History essay. It does not summarise course content or supply revision notes.
Instant digital download. PDF, 12 pages, A4.
