Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000

Objectives - Examine the different approaches to essay organization. - Identify and explain the effectiveness of approaches to writing the history essay.

Overview Essay writing is a complex exercise that should not only demonstrate a students ability to remember facts (an increasingly meaningless skill in the age of IPhones and 3G internet access), but also the ability to internalize these bits of information and present in the form of an opinion relevant to the question being posed. What this does mean is that a good essay is differentiated from an average one based the students ability to correctly identify the thesis of a question, consider its merits, pose challenges, and based on these arguments, come to a reasoned conclusion of why one point of view is more convincing than the other. The exercise today was designed to develop your skills in identifying the thesis of questions, appreciate the aesthetics involved in essay writing, and the crafting of relevant topic sentences.

Question Analysis Good essay writing is very much dependent on the quality of question analysis, with a good grasp of the nuances implied by keywords. For the purpose of todays exercise, we shall deal with a rather common issue: Essays tend to answer the topic, rather the question. Remember, essay writing is not about telling me what you know. Sometimes, that endeavour would reveal more about how little you know instead. Rather, the emphasis be on how does what you know allow you to build an argument in support or challenge of the given thesis. As such, identifying the keyword (or words) will be critical in such an exercise. While you may be familiar with the concept of keywords, students tend to see all non-connector words as key words. This often results in essays that answer a question on the topic, but not necessarily the question itself. i.e.: Q: Glasnost was the pivotal factor that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. To what extent would you agree with this assertion? Keywords: glasnost, pivotal, collapse of Soviet Union In this instance, the identification of keywords has become meaningless, as the focus of your response would tend to be diffused, and the nuance of the question, lost. As such, rather than 1

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
clump all these words as generically keywords, intellectually, you should categorise them as the following:

Glasnost was the pivotal factor that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. To what extent would you agree with this assertion? Command words: Topic words: Keywords: Given factor:

With this categorizing of words in the question, you should by all accounts better understand the role of each word in the question. In turn, your essay would be better tailored to the specific demands of the question, with an understanding all its nuances.

Now, lets try attempting the same model of analysis of questions for the following questions: Q1: To what extent was ethno nationalism the most significant consequence of the collapse of the Soviet Union? Q2: Which event marked the start of the Cold War: Churchchills Iron Curtain Speech, Truman Doctrine, or the Berlin Blockade? Q3: How far would you agree that the globalization of the Cold War was a result of economic interests? Q4: The Soviet Unions security concern was the primary reason that soured relations with the United States. To what extent would you agree with this statement? Q5: The Cold War was inevitable. Discuss. Q6: How far would you agree that Cuban Missile Crisis was largely a result of American agitation of Soviet interests? Q7: Gorbachevs systematic dismantling of the Soviet system was the reason for the end of the Cold War. How valid is this assertion?

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
Q8: The interests of Third World nations were subordinate to the agenda of the superpowers. Discuss this assertion in the context of 1950 1980.

Essay Organisation Approaches The organization of an essay is more than just about introduction, body, and conclusion. At the A levels, it is even more critical to recognise essay writing is not an exercise in replicating preprepared responses moments before the writing itself. A common structure seen: Factor A is important. But Factor B is more important. Also, there is Factor C as well. Therefore, Factor A while important, is not that important. The issue with such a response is the lack of sophistication, and demonstration of a lack of understanding. There is no indication on what basis would Factor B and C combined, be consider much more influential than Factor A. Furthermore, such a response fail to show an appreciation of how the factors discussed, are inherently related to one another (either through cause and effect, chronology, etc). The Shotgun Question

Given Factor

Counter Argument 1

Counter Argument 2

Counter Argument 3

Supporting Factor

This is an approach that attempts to comment on every factor separately, by explaining their individual merits independent of one another. The evaluation of their relative importance to each other, in relation to the question, is often left to the very end of the essay. This structure would be suited to questions requiring breadth of discussion i.e. What are the causes of the Cold War? Historical baggage, disagreements over Germany, conflicting ideology, etc

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of this approach in answering essay questions:

Agree, Disagree

Question

Given Factor

Counter Argument

Supporting Point 1 Supporting Point 2

Supporting Point 1

Another model of interest is to categorise points into two main bodies of agree, or disagree. Consider the strengths and limitations of this model. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of this approach in answering essay questions:

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
The Triad Question

Given Factor Thesis Supporting Point 1

Counter Argument Anti-thesis Supporting Point 1

Topic sentences here will try and show the relationship between the factors in support of the challenge to the thesis. i.e. However, factor B was more consequential as it . Furthermore, factor C was a result of factor B, rather than A, which was significant as well as.

Normally, a given factor is important in lieu of its impact in terms of how it resulted in a series of chain reactions (including opposing factors), or its magnitude. Ultimately, a good essay should not be overly uneven, and the distribution of support and challenge factors should be equitable.

Synthesis

The triad is usually described in the following way:

The thesis is an intellectual proposition. The antithesis is simply the negation of the thesis, a reaction to the proposition. The synthesis solves the conflict between the thesis and antithesis by reconciling their common truths, and forming a new proposition.

Very similar to the Agree, Disagree approach, this approach offers an additional component that makes it more sophisticated. This component is call the synthesis, which would attempt to combine the opposing points based on commonalities, i.e.: What caused the Cold War? Was it Soviet expansionism or American aggression? A more plausible answer would be a misunderstanding of mutual intentions, with both parties acting defensively against perceived threats. While more complex in construction (because you actually have to know why one factor will result in another), this model has several advantages: 5

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
1. Gives you an argument to follow, rather than a listing of points. 2. Forces you to think about cause and effect, magnitude and nature of impact of factors, better awareness of chronology, identify change and continuity, and overall, a much more nuanced and intelligent response. 3. Structurally much more stable, with evaluation largely reduced to 2 or 3 major perspectives. Writing the Introduction The introduction is often the most crucial part of your essay, as it would determine the direction of your essay, the context it would framed in, as well as your basis of evaluation (to be explained later). There are some fundamental principles to keep in mind, though it should be noted that essay writing should involve some sense of flexibility, and a sequential reproduction of the practices below would make a rather unreadable introduction.

1. Incorporate the question in the 1. Do not include examples or specific introduction. details in the introduction. That is the mark of a good introduction if the marker can 2. Do not leave the stand till the conclusion decipher the question from your as this leave the examiner to wonder introduction. about the direction of your essay. 2. Provide a summary of the points you are about to cover. 3. Give a brief background to the topic 4. Make a stand always When you make the stand, ensure that you also mention the flip side to the view and which is the most important factor, role, point etc. 5. Keep the intro concise to around 5-8 lines. 6. Always pay attention to time frame and keywords in the question and address them. 7. Define key words or terms

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
Basis of Evaluation

Often, students struggle with why an argument or a point is more important that the others raised. When this happens, the contrite occur. Consider the following evaluations, and discuss with your friend the relative strengths and weaknesses of each Basis of Evaluation. BoE1: Point A is more important because it has greater impact. The others, on the other hand, did not have as great an impact. BoE2: Point A is less important, as there were other factors that must be considered. As such, we must not overstate the importance of Point A. BoE3: Points A to E are all important, and none of them can be said to be more important. It would be myopic to do so. BoE4: Point A has proven to be more convincing, as it was the root cause. The others were mere catalysts dependent on the conditions created by Point A.

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
BoE5: Point A is thus much more convincing that the other points in explaining the event, as the conditions of the time suggested that there was little possibility of both parties settling their differences amicably. BoE6: As convincing as the Argument B is, the impact of events in 1917 can be said to be short termed and of little influence on the decision making in 1945. This is further substantiated by developments in 1942, which had demonstrated a change of attitudes. BoE7: To a large extent, Point A proves more convincing than the other points, as it had brought about a massive change of living conditions that many in that time experienced. It had brought about a fundamental shift of the political, economic and social dynamics that the other points built upon. Topic Sentences The underlying principle of any topic sentence in a paragraph is to tell the reader what the paragraph is about. That much is obvious. However, in an argumentative essay context, it should do more than that. A good topic sentence would inform the reader of how a point that is being raised is relevant to the question being asked. This would in turn, guide the development of the rest of the paragraph. In that sense, a poor topic sentence would often lead a paragraph into irrelevance or narrative. Lets take a look at the following topic sentences: Q: To what extent was ethno nationalism the most significant consequence of the collapse of the Soviet Union?

TS1: Ethno nationalism was an outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union. TS2: The most important outcome of the end of the Cold War was the rise of ethno nationalism, as it saw to a rise of conflict between neighbouring states, often threatening regional stability and international peace. TS3: Ethno nationalism was the most significant outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union. This was because it brought about the rise of regional tensions and conflict that often spilled over into other countries. Also, it resulted in other very important consequences as well. TS4: The implications of the rise of ethno nationalism with the collapse of the Soviet Union was that there was a rise of conflict between newly independent states, seeking to address past ethnic grievances that had been kept suppressed by Soviet leadership, which disturbed regional stability and often threatened to escalate and become an international issue.

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
TS5: Ethno nationalism was a significant consequence of the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the extent that it saw a rise of ethno nationalism that created tensions in the international system. TS6: Firstly, there was ethno nationalism. TS7: The collapse of the Soviet Union had brought about the rise of ethno nationalism, which was very significant, as it had led to other important consequences like the uneven transition to capitalism, the proliferation of dangerous weapons, and the erosion of sovereignty. Linking Paragraphs Together Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, Lastly, Indeed, Also, However, Furthermore, One factor is, Another factor is, Also, one more factor is, Finally,

Which of the above words used to link paragraphs are preferred? Why? In what ways are the other two approaches inappropriate for the history essay? More importantly, when considering how to write your topic sentences for your paragraphs, ask yourself how these paragraphs link to form a coherent argument for your case. Consider the following examples to a question on Soviet intentions in Europe after 1945: Admittedly, long term problems did prove to create an atmosphere of animosity between the two powers, rendering it difficult for post-war developments to be conducted in an environment of trust. One factor is the atomic issue. However, there was Yalta and Potsdam. However, Soviet aggression does not fully explain all developments in Europe, as evidence would suggest a reactionary foreign policy was in place. Firstly, there was the Berlin Blockade. Finally, it can be argued that without the inconsistent American policies and warmongering by the British, the Cold War would not have happened. Concluding the Essay

Hwa Chong Institution (College) H2 History: Paper 1 - International History, 1945 2000
In conclusion, As such, Thus, In lieu of , While it may not have the same weight as the rest of your essays, do note that your conclusion is the very last impression that you leave the examiner has of your work before he/she grades your essay. It would do well to avoid spoiling the impression that you have managed to build up. Consider the table below, and decide which column proposes ideas that would make your conclusion a good one.

1. Present your judgement on the issue, i.e. reaffirm your stand 2. Provide an aftermath (what happens after that) 3. Summary of essay, points covered.

1. Do not include new ideas, points that you have not covered in your essay. 2. Do not include examples in the conclusion.

10