Ancient History: Big Essay on Historical Investigations (1 Viewer)

[cienna]

There is this big essay in Ancient History of 2000 words, and I have to write a synopsis and include an inquiry question with the word assess, or explain. I need a topic that will be easy to do please. Thanks.

 

[atcha]

"Assess/Explain the factors that led to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire"

 

[cienna]

Thank you for your help

 

[trickstick02]

What would the main focus question be and how would the enquiry question look like?

 

[Valentino Rossi 46]

Assess and explain are very different terms when it come to writing a history based essay, they are not interchangeable and selecting one will set the structure of your essay.

Explain = Clarify a topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurs, or what is meant by the use of this term in a particular context. Your writing should have clarity so that complex procedures or sequences of events can be understood, defining key terms where appropriate, and be substantiated with relevant research.

Assess = Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter-arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.

From my perspective, if they give you the option, assess opens more areas of investigation, and is better to create a sequential and logical flow.

Further information and readings below:

http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/writing/writing-resources/essay-terms
https://sydney.edu.au/arts/history/docs/resources/HSTY_essay_guide_2006.pdf