Paper 1
How to Write a Great Discursive
Step 1: Analyse and Understand the Question
● Identify exactly what the question is asking.
● Note any dates and keywords in the question.
● Focus only on the aspect requested (e.g., political, social, or economic).
● Determine the type of question: Discuss, To what extent, Agree/Disagree,
Critically assess.
● Highlight the “catchword” you will use throughout your essay.
Step 2: Plan Your Essay
● Use a table or outline to organise points chronologically.
● List events, people, dates, places, and organisations you will include.
● Identify links and cause-effect relationships between events.
● Ensure each paragraph will focus on a single point to avoid repetition.
Step 3: Write the Introduction (3 Sentences)
1. Restate the question in past tense using the same words and dates.
2. Recognise that there are multiple aspects to consider; briefly name some.
3. Introduce the most important aspect and take a clear stand that answers the
question.
Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs
● Each paragraph should be 8–10 sentences.
● Use the PEAF structure:
○ Point – Introduce the point the paragraph will make.
○ Explain – Provide historical facts: events, people, dates, places,
organisations, laws.
○ Argue – Show why this point is important and how it relates to the
question
○ Focus – Link back to the keyword from the question..
● Use linking phrases to connect ideas: “Whilst one can argue that…,”
“However…,” “Arguably…,” “Considering that…,” “It could be argued that…,”
, “Although some evidence suggests… there is enough to counter this argument
because…”
● Ensure paragraphs are layered, not narrative. Avoid simply listing events.
● Keep discussion chronological wherever possible.
Step 5: Use Content and Argument Together
● Content: factual details, terminology, dates, events, people, places,
organisations.
● Argument: why these facts are included, their significance, and how they relate
to the question.
● Integrate argument throughout each paragraph, not just at the end.
Step 6: Write the Conclusion (3 Sentences Max)
1. Reaffirm the position you introduced in the introduction.
2. Show that the question has been answered.
3. Avoid repeating all points or providing a summary of the essay.
Step 7: Final Checks
● Ensure the essay is in past tense.
● Ensure chronological order.
● Avoid first person, slang, informal language, metaphors, and broad
generalisations.
● Avoid repetition, abbreviations without explanation, and value judgements.
● Check that each paragraph has facts with analysis and links to the question
keyword.
How to Write a Great Discursive
Step 1: Analyse and Understand the Question
● Identify exactly what the question is asking.
● Note any dates and keywords in the question.
● Focus only on the aspect requested (e.g., political, social, or economic).
● Determine the type of question: Discuss, To what extent, Agree/Disagree,
Critically assess.
● Highlight the “catchword” you will use throughout your essay.
Step 2: Plan Your Essay
● Use a table or outline to organise points chronologically.
● List events, people, dates, places, and organisations you will include.
● Identify links and cause-effect relationships between events.
● Ensure each paragraph will focus on a single point to avoid repetition.
Step 3: Write the Introduction (3 Sentences)
1. Restate the question in past tense using the same words and dates.
2. Recognise that there are multiple aspects to consider; briefly name some.
3. Introduce the most important aspect and take a clear stand that answers the
question.
Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs
● Each paragraph should be 8–10 sentences.
● Use the PEAF structure:
○ Point – Introduce the point the paragraph will make.
○ Explain – Provide historical facts: events, people, dates, places,
organisations, laws.
○ Argue – Show why this point is important and how it relates to the
question
○ Focus – Link back to the keyword from the question..
● Use linking phrases to connect ideas: “Whilst one can argue that…,”
“However…,” “Arguably…,” “Considering that…,” “It could be argued that…,”
, “Although some evidence suggests… there is enough to counter this argument
because…”
● Ensure paragraphs are layered, not narrative. Avoid simply listing events.
● Keep discussion chronological wherever possible.
Step 5: Use Content and Argument Together
● Content: factual details, terminology, dates, events, people, places,
organisations.
● Argument: why these facts are included, their significance, and how they relate
to the question.
● Integrate argument throughout each paragraph, not just at the end.
Step 6: Write the Conclusion (3 Sentences Max)
1. Reaffirm the position you introduced in the introduction.
2. Show that the question has been answered.
3. Avoid repeating all points or providing a summary of the essay.
Step 7: Final Checks
● Ensure the essay is in past tense.
● Ensure chronological order.
● Avoid first person, slang, informal language, metaphors, and broad
generalisations.
● Avoid repetition, abbreviations without explanation, and value judgements.
● Check that each paragraph has facts with analysis and links to the question
keyword.
