Writing a good essay/extended
response in history
Remember the
Structure of a
Report/Essay is
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
The 1970s was a period of great change in Australian society. Evaluate
this statement in reference to the change in rights and freedoms of
Women in Australia.
Step 1: Understanding what the question is asking you
You need to read the question and circle what the question is asking you to do (Evaluate, How,
Explain etc.), you also need to underline what the question is asking you about (Content you are
going to write about in your essay).
The 1970s was a period of great change in Australian society.
Evaluate this statement in reference to the fight for change in
rights and freedoms of Women in Australia.
account for
Explain the reasons for, giving an indication of
all relevant circumstances. Not to be confused
with ‘Give an account of’ which asks only for a
detailed description.
analyse
Study in depth, identifying and describing
in detail the main characteristics.
argue
Put forward a proposition, then illustrate
it, discuss its significance, and defend it
against possible counter-charges.
assess
Examine closely, with a view to ‘weighing
up’ a particular situation. Consider in a
balanced way the strengths and
weaknesses or points for and against a
proposition. In conclusion, state your
judgement clearly.
comment
State clearly and in moderate fashion your
opinions on the material in question.
Support your views with reference to
suitable evidence or explanations.
compare
Look for similarities and differences
between two or more things.
contrast
Deliberately single out and emphasise the
differences and dissimilarities between
two or more things.
criticise
Give your judgement about a statement or
a body of work; explore its implications,
discussing all the evidence which is
available. Be specific in your examination.
define
Set down the precise meaning of
something. Be prepared to state the limits
of the definition. Take note of multiple
meanings if they exist.
describe
Give a detailed and comprehensive
account of something.
discuss
Investigate and examine by careful
argument. Explore the implications and
the advantages or disadvantages. Debate
the case and possibly consider any
alternatives. This is probably the most
common instruction term. It is inviting
you to say something interesting in
response to the topic in question. You can
choose your own approach.
evaluate
Make an appraisal of the worth of
something in the light of its truth or
utility. Emphasise the views of authorities
as well as your personal estimation.
explain
Make plain. Account for. Clarify, interpret,
and spell out the material you present,
giving reasons for important features or
developments.
how far …
Similar to questions which begin ‘To what
extent…‘. You are expected to make your
case or present your argument, whilst
showing an awareness that alternate or
even contradictory explanations may exist.
Careful assessment and weighing of
evidence are called for.
identify
Pick out what you regard as the key
features of something, perhaps making
clear the criteria you use in doing so.
illustrate
Make clear and explicit by the discussion
of concrete examples.
justify
Show adequate grounds for decisions or
conclusions. Answer or refute the main
objections likely to be made against them.
outline
Give the main features or the general
principles of a subject, omitting minor
details and emphasising structure or
arrangement.
relate
Show how things are connected, and how
they possibly affect, cause, or resemble
each other.
review
Make a survey of, examining the subject
critically.
state
Present the main points in brief, clear
form.
summarise
Give a concise account of the main points
of a matter, omitting details and examples.
Step 2: Plan your answer
You need to brainstorm all the ideas that you think will be helpful to answer your question
Then select the best ones, these will form the main points of each paragraph
Step 3: Write your introduction
Imagine that you had to answer the whole question in one paragraph
Do not include quotes from sources or evidence
1st sentence answers the question using the key words of the question
The next sentences explains how you are going to answer the question
The last sentence sums up your main argument in one sentence
The 1970s was a period of great change in Australian society.
Evaluate this statement in reference to the fight for change in rights
and freedoms of Women in Australia.
Step 4: Write your body paragraphs
Each paragraph should be about one topic only
Each paragraph should begin with a general statement about the topic that will be covered in this
paragraph. This is known as the Topic sentence.
You need to include detailed evidence to support your answer
For each of your paragraphs remember




T – Topic Sentence, these can begin with such words as; Firstly, Secondly, Also, Another
point
E – Explanation sentence
E – Example/Evidence sentence
L – Linking sentence (link paragraph to question), these usually begin with the words; Thus,
Therefore, As a result of
Example Introduction
The 1970s was a period of change and liberalism in Australia, not only for women but society as a
whole, highlighted by the victory of Gough Whitlam and the Labor Party in 1972 “It’s Time” election.
This demand for change can be seen in the protests of the Women’s Liberation Movement as well as
the actions of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, these movements of the 1970’s forced real change in
Australian Society. This demand for change by women in the 1970’s has resulted in greater rights
and freedoms of women in Australia to this day.
In the 1970s many women began to publically begin to demand positive change in relation to their
rights and freedoms. These women became known as Women’s Libbers, who were part of the
Australian Women’s Liberation Movement, they demanded change in the perception of women
being inferior to men. One prominent Women’s Libber was Germaine Greer who wrote the book The
Female Eunuch, which discusses women’s suppressed roles and identities in Australian society.
Through books such as The Female Eunuch women began to discuss their position in Australian
society, and demand improvement in their rights and freedoms.
Below fill in the spaces for the paragraph on the Womens Electoral Loby remember TEEL
Topic Sentence
The Womens Electoral Lobby was established in 1972 to play a more influental roles in politics in
promoting the voice of women and womens issues.
Example Sentence – example of action
undertaken by WEL
The work of the Womens Electoral Lobby was key in not only influencing political change in relation
to women’s rights and freedoms, but also in promoting women to take jobs within Parliament, the
public service and trade unions.
Explanation Sentence
Topic Sentence
Bellow write your own paragraph on the response and changes brought about by womens
demands for change in regards to the rights and freedoms Remember TEEL
Example Sentence
Linking Sentence
Step 5: Write a conclusion
The structure of the conclusion is:





Overall statement relating to the question
Sub topic of paragraph 1 (a sentence on what you spoke about in paragraph 1)
Sub topic of paragraph 2 (a sentence on what you spoke about in paragraph 2)
Sub topic of paragraph 3 (a sentence on what you spoke about in paragraph 3)
Restatement of the main idea
Summary of paragraph on the response and results of change in 1970s
Do not introduce any new information or new points in you conclusion
Fill in the gaps of the conclusion below
Australian society underwent many positive changes during the 1970’s, this was especially the case
for the rights and freedoms of women. The Women’s Liberation Movement enabled women to think
about, discuss and demand change in relation to their inferior role in society. The Women’s Electoral
Lobby began to lobby political change and pushed for an increased role of women in Parliament and
other prominent public positions.
The change of rights and freedoms of women in the 1070’s has been significant and lasting and is
still evident in Australian society today.