A-Level Exam Essay Technique — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an A-Level 'evaluate' question require you to do?
- Simply describe what happened
- Present arguments on both sides with evidence, weigh them against each other, and reach a substantiated judgement (Correct answer)
- List every fact you know about the topic
- Only give one point of view
Correct answer: Present arguments on both sides with evidence, weigh them against each other, and reach a substantiated judgement
Evaluate questions require balanced analysis: present evidence for and against, assess the strength of arguments, consider different perspectives, and conclude with a clearly reasoned personal judgement. Top marks demand genuine synthesis, not mere description.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an A-Level essay?
- To summarise what the question is asking
- To state your overall argument or line of reasoning clearly at the start of the essay (Correct answer)
- To list all the evidence you will use
- To write the conclusion first
Correct answer: To state your overall argument or line of reasoning clearly at the start of the essay
A thesis statement presents your central argument directly and clearly. It tells the examiner what your essay argues, not just what it discusses. A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and guides the structure of the whole essay.
Question 3: What does PEEL stand for in paragraph writing?
- Point, Evidence, Explain, Link (Correct answer)
- Plan, Execute, Evaluate, Learn
- Point, Expand, Example, Link
- Proof, Evidence, Explanation, Logic
Correct answer: Point, Evidence, Explain, Link
PEEL is an essay paragraph structure: Point (topic sentence stating your argument), Evidence (quotation or factual support), Explain (how the evidence supports your point), Link (connect back to the question or forward to the next point).
Question 4: What makes a strong conclusion in an A-Level essay?
- A summary of every point made in the essay
- A clear, directly stated overall judgement that answers the specific question, based on the weighing of evidence in the body (Correct answer)
- Introducing brand new arguments not in the body
- Repeating the introduction word for word
Correct answer: A clear, directly stated overall judgement that answers the specific question, based on the weighing of evidence in the body
A strong A-Level conclusion directly addresses the question with a clearly stated final judgement. It synthesises (rather than summarises) the main arguments, explains which argument is most convincing and why, and avoids introducing new material.
Question 5: How should you use quotations in a history or literature essay?
- Quote as much as possible to show reading
- Select short, precise quotations that directly support your argument, then analyse the language or evidence rather than just restating it (Correct answer)
- Use only secondary sources
- Only use quotations at the beginning of paragraphs
Correct answer: Select short, precise quotations that directly support your argument, then analyse the language or evidence rather than just restating it
Effective quotation is selective, precise, and always followed by analysis (not description). Short embedded quotations are preferable to long block quotes. Always explain what the evidence shows and why it supports your argument.
Question 6: What is the 'so what?' test for analytical writing?
- A test to check your writing makes the examiner laugh
- After every claim or piece of evidence, ask 'so what?' to ensure you have explained the significance and connected it to your argument (Correct answer)
- A way to check your introduction
- A method for checking your spelling
Correct answer: After every claim or piece of evidence, ask 'so what?' to ensure you have explained the significance and connected it to your argument
The 'so what?' test is a self-checking technique: after making a point or citing evidence, ask yourself why it matters to your argument. If you can't answer, your analysis is incomplete. It ensures you don't just describe but always explain significance.
A-Level Exam Essay Technique
What does an A-Level 'evaluate' question require you to do?