Essay Question:
What are the possible origins for the myth of Atlantis? Evaluate the theory that
the Atlantis myth was based on the Minoan Civilisation.
INTRODUCTION
Guide: 150 words
 Begin with ‘Historians have long sought an historical origin to the
Atlantis myth...’
 Write a few sentences that introduce the reader to the myth of Atlantis (be
sure to refer to Plato’s role as the author of this myth).
 Briefly outline arguments for the parallels between Atlantis and the Minoan
civilisation.
 Briefly outline arguments against the Minoan civilisation being ‘Atlantis’
(you may like to briefly mention other possibilities suggested).
 Briefly state your central argument (this should indicate the direction of
your essay).
1st PARAGRAPH
Guide: 200 words
 Write a Topic Sentence to introduce your discussion of one of the arguments
for the equation of Atlantis with the Minoans.
 Explain the strengths of this argument and use evidence to support your
explanation.
 Outline a second argument for the equation of Atlantis with the Minoans.
 Explain the strengths of this argument and use evidence to support your
explanation.
 Write a sentence/ sentences at the end that links your explanations of the
arguments for equating Atlantis with the Minoan civilisation back to the
question. This sentence(s) should confirm/ develop your central argument.
2nd PARAGRAPH
Guide: 200 words
 Write a Topic Sentence linking paragraph 1 to paragraph 2. Use this topic
sentence to introduce a third argument in favour of equating Atlantis with
the Minoans.
 Explain the strengths of this argument and use evidence to support your
explanation.
 Write a sentence outlining that not all historians agree that Atlantis was ever
based on a real place, and those that do have differing opinions as to where
the myth developed from.
 Introduce an argument against the equation of Atlantis with the Minoans and
explain the strengths of this argument using evidence to support your
explanation.
 Write a sentence/ sentences at the end that links your explanations of the
arguments against Minoan Crete and/or Thera as the basis for Atlantis back
to the question. This sentence(s) should confirm/ develop your central
argument.
3rd PARAGRAPH
Guide: 200 words
 Write a Topic Sentence linking paragraph 2 to paragraph 3. Use this topic
sentence to introduce a second argument against the equation of the
Minoans with Atlantis.
 Explain the strengths of this argument and use evidence to support your
explanation.
 Write a sentence(s) explaining that while there is some evidence for linking
Atlantis with the Minoans, there is no conclusive proof.
 Write a sentence/ sentences at the end that links your explanations of the
arguments for and against Minoan civilisation being Atlantis back to the
question. This sentence(s) should confirm/ develop your central argument.
CONCLUSION
Guide: 150 words
 Re-state the arguments for and against the equation of Atlantis with the
Minoans (discussed in Paragraphs 1 to 3).
 Emphasize that the question of whether or not an actual Atlantis existed is
unable to be conclusively decided by the current evidence.
 Re-state your central argument