AQA A-Level History NEA (40/40 achieved)
Things I did in my AQA A-Level History Coursework to achieve 40/40
1. Used a logical structure
I organised the essay around three broad factors: religion, settlement and material gain. Within each factor, I broke the argument down into smaller sub-themes, which allowed me to evaluate the factor in a more precise and analytical way rather than making general statements. This directly matches the AO1 requirements in the AQA mark scheme.
2. Analysed primary sources
I analysed three primary sources in detail, focusing on their value and limitations in relation to the question. This directly matches the AO2 requirements in the AQA mark scheme. Alongside these, I used additional primary evidence throughout the essay to support my arguments and show precise knowledge.
3. Evaluated historians' interpretations
I analysed the interpretations of two historians. For each one, I explained their argument, considered how their background might influence their interpretation and evaluated how convincing their argument actually is. This directly matches the AO3 requirements in the AQA mark scheme.
4. Maintained a clear line of argument
I made sure the essay had a consistent argument from start to finish. In the introduction, I clearly set out the criteria I would use to judge the factors. At the end of each paragraph, I linked the discussion back to the question and explained how far that factor mattered compared to the others. This ensured the essay remained analytical and judgment-driven, which is essential for full marks in AO1.
Using the essay I've uploaded...
I’ve uploaded my full original coursework, so you can see exactly how this works in practice. The question is about what motivated people to take part in the Crusades. It’s very unlikely you’ll be doing the same topic, or even have much knowledge about it... and that’s not a problem! Instead, focus on:
- How the essay is structured
- The phrases used to analyse sources
- The language used to evaluate historians’ interpretations
- How each paragraph links back to the question