Assessment: Join the WW1 debate.
Task: Write a letter to a historian saying why you disagree
with their opinion about the cause of the First World War
How should I structure my letter?
Introductory Paragraph: Why you are writing to that historian.
Explain that you are writing to join the historical debate about the war.
Show that you know what their argument is by summarising it / quoting it.
Sentence starters:
“I am writing to you in the 100th anniversary of the war to debate its origins….”
“I have read that you believe that….”
Main Section 1: Why do you disagree with that historian.
Explain why you disagree with that historian.
Explain what you think were the main causes of WW1. It is important to show that you understand how
different causes link together here.
Exceptional historians will possibly bring in another historian who they agree with.
Sentence starters:
“I disagree with your argument because….”
“Unfortunately your argument is not convincing….”
Main Section 2: Why might that historian be right.
Explain that you understand the other side of the argument and that the historian could be correct. This is
important to show that you have understood that there are two valid sides to the debate.
Exceptional historians will show the weaknesses in that historians argument by referring to how causes
link.
Sentence starters:
“On the other hand….”
“I can see that you have a valid argument….”
Concluding Paragraph: Sum up your overall argument.
Explain your overall point where you make it clear what you think was the most important cause of WW1.
You might like to explain why it was more significant than other causes.
Sentence starters:
“To conclude…”
“Overall, I believe that…”