History: Overview
The EE gives students an opportunity to undertake in-depth research in an area of interest to them, of local, regional or global significance. The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured essay that effectively addresses a particular issue expressed as a research question.
The question should encourage an investigation that lends itself to analysis and critical commentary. Students should avoid straightforward “What” and “How” questions as they tend to lead to narrative treatment. Terms such as “How significant...?” or “How successful...?” are more likely to engage students in analysis. “To what extent...?” requires an analytical answer, but if students choose this or a similar term, they need to ensure that their task does also require them to consider other factors to answer the question.
Requirements for a History EE
The Subject-Specific Guidance page for your chosen subject is THE KEY to ensuring your paper meets the requirements. Print, highlight, and annotate this page and pin it above your desk!
The Command Terms are the key terms and phrases used in examination questions. Using these in your essay will indicate a strong background in your subject
The Subject Reports give an overview of what EXAMINERS have said about makes a successful paper in the subject. It's smart to read these over to know what the examiners are looking for.
Sample History Research Questions
Review the questions below
Research Questions scoring A or B
To what extent did historical and cultural factors outweigh the policies of the Thai government in the fight against communist insurgencies during the Cold War?
To what extent was the development of the Thai Siamese nation state from 1864 to 1910 a continuous development from past social and political institutions?
“To what extent did the partisan bands benefit the Italian Resistance movement between 1943-1945?
What factors played the most important roles in the collapse of the Weimar Republic of Germany?
Past Papers: Why Read Them?
History Papers
