How to Write a History Assignment?

1. Understand the question properly

Before you think about books, websites or writing, slow down and read the question three or four times.

Ask yourself:

• What time period is this about?

• Which country or region is in focus?

• What is the command word: “explain”, “evaluate”, “to what extent”, “assess”, “analyse”?

• Are they asking about causes, consequences, importance, change over time, or comparison?

Take the question and rewrite it in your own words in a notebook. For example:

• Original: “To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles cause the Second World War?”

• Your version: “How far was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for WW2 compared to other reasons?”

Once you can say the question in your own words, it is much easier to stay on track and avoid writing a random history story with no focus. Guidance from history teachers and subject associations often stresses that every strong history essay starts with a clear understanding of the question and its “key words”. history.org.uk

2. Do focused research (not just quick Google)

When you research for a history assignment, you do not need 20 sources. You need a few good ones that you actually understand.

Start with:

• Your lecture notes or class slides

• Your set textbook or core reading

• A small number of reliable websites or articles

Look for:

• Basic background: what happened, when, where, who was involved

• Different viewpoints: how historians or sources disagree

• Good examples: events, dates, quotes, statistics you can use as evidence

Try to use both:

• Primary sources (from the time, e.g. letters, speeches, laws, newspapers)

• Secondary sources (later analysis by historians, books, journal articles)

If you want to see how historians break down essay skills, you can look at a student-friendly history essay writing guide provided by a UK subject association.

When you read, do not copy big chunks. Make short notes in your own words under headings that match the question (for example: “short-term causes”, “long-term causes”, “economic factors”, “political factors”).

3. Plan your argument before you start writing

A history assignment is an argument, not a storybook. You need a “line” – a simple overall answer to the question.

Ask yourself:

• If I had to answer this question in one or two sentences, what would I say?

• Do I think the factor in the question was very important, partly important, or not that important?

For example:

• “The Treaty of Versailles was a major cause of WW2, but economic problems and the rise of Nazism were just as important.”

That sentence becomes the heart of your assignment. Now plan 3–4 main points that will support it. Under each point, write:

• What is my main idea?

• Which examples or evidence will I use?

• How does this link back to the question?

Many history guides suggest a simple pattern for paragraphs: make your point, give evidence, then explain why it matters.
If you have this plan before you start, writing becomes much easier and you are less likely to wander off topic.

4. Structure the assignment clearly

Most history assignments at college or university follow a similar shape:

1. Introduction – show you understand the question and give your basic answer

2. Main body paragraphs – each one deals with a clear point or factor

3. Conclusion – pull everything together and repeat your judgement

Introduction:
Keep it short but clear. Give very brief background so the marker knows the context, then state your overall line. For example:

“The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 placed heavy blame and reparations on Germany. While it created deep resentment and instability, it was not the only reason war broke out again. Economic crisis, the failure of the League of Nations and the rise of aggressive dictatorships were equally important.”

That is enough. You do not need to tell the whole story in the introduction.

5. Write paragraphs like mini-arguments

Each paragraph should feel like a small essay of its own, with a clear point.

A simple pattern is:

• First sentence – your main point for that paragraph

• Middle – evidence: dates, events, names, short quotes, statistics

• Last 1–2 sentences – explain how this proves your point and link back to the question

For example, if you are writing about “economic problems” as a cause:

• Start with: “Economic problems after the First World War made extreme politics more attractive in Germany.”

• Then add evidence: inflation, unemployment, specific years, actions taken.

• End with: “Because of these pressures, many ordinary people lost faith in moderate parties and were more willing to support radical solutions, which made another war more likely.”

Try not to let paragraphs turn into a list of facts. Always explain why each fact matters.

6. Use sources and references properly

Markers care a lot about how you handle evidence and references. University guides on history writing highlight that proper referencing shows honesty, helps avoid plagiarism, and makes your work look more professional.

Keep these simple rules in mind:

• When you use someone else’s idea, put it in your own words and reference it.

• If you use a short direct quote, use quotation marks and give the source.

• Follow the reference style your course uses (for example, Harvard, Chicago, or footnotes).

• Keep a list of all books, articles and websites you used so you can build your bibliography easily at the end.

Even if your assignment is not a full essay (for example, a short answer or worksheet), it is still good practice to mention where information comes from. It trains you for higher-level work.

7. Write a conclusion that actually answers the question

The conclusion is your final word, not a place to add new evidence.

In your conclusion:

• Briefly remind the reader of your main points (one short sentence each).

• Repeat your overall judgement using fresh wording.

• If relevant, show why your answer matters – for example, what it tells us about that period, or how historians might view it differently.

For example:

“Overall, the Treaty of Versailles played a major part in creating anger and instability in Germany, but it did not make war inevitable. Without the impact of the Great Depression, the weakness of the League of Nations and the choices made by leaders in the 1930s, another global conflict might still have been avoided.”

This kind of conclusion shows balance and judgement, which markers usually reward.

8. Do a quick check before you submit

Before you hand in your history assignment, take a few minutes to check:

• Have I answered the question that was actually set, not a different one?

• Does every paragraph link back to the question in some way?

• Have I explained my evidence, not just listed it?

• Is my spelling, grammar and punctuation clear enough to follow?

• Have I referenced my sources and included a simple bibliography?

Reading your work aloud, even quietly, can help you catch awkward sentences and missing words. If something sounds confusing to you, it will probably confuse your marker as well.

When you still feel stuck

Even with a clear guide, there will be times when you are tired, short on time, or simply cannot turn your notes into a proper history assignment. In those situations, getting expert help with planning, structuring or writing can make a big difference.

If you need more practical support with your coursework, essays or dissertations, you can always explore our dedicated history assignment help page, where experienced academic writers handle history topics every day and understand what UK tutors look for in strong answers.

This way, whether you write the whole assignment yourself or get professional help, you know the final work is built on a clear question, solid evidence and a logical, well-explained argument.