Read the question carefully. Underline the instructional wording and any dates mentioned.
Make notes of any key events, facts and people you need to include. Keep this list in front of you and check off each item as you cover it.
Write your introduction. Include a thesis statement and explain the key issues you will cover. This might be a list of events, different viewpoints or description of changes and continuities.
Structure your answer into paragraphs. Consider a relevant event, theme or individual in each one. Support your ideas with evidence. At the end of each paragraph link back to the question and explain how the information you present relates to your thesis.
Refer to historical sources in your answer. Consider the validity of sources. A source from a reliable scholar may be very trustworthy; a primary source by someone at the time of the event may be biased.
Deal with alternative arguments and explain why you believe the evidence in favor of your view is much stronger.
Complete the task. If you are asked to compare and contrast then compare and contrast. If you are asked to describe changes and continuities make sure you do this.
Write your conclusion. Sum up or rephrase your argument and briefly support it with evidence.