Leaving Cert History Essay Analysis: Anglo-Irish Treaty

Introduction

• Presenter: Laura
• Focus: Analyzing an essay based on the 2018 paper topic on the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
• Key themes: Sovereignty, partition, negotiations, and terms of the treaty.
• Essay and resources: Annotated PDF available on StudyClix.

Understanding the Essay Question

• Key Points:
  • Importance of understanding the question fully.
  • Look out for words like "and" or "both" to ensure you cover all parts of the question.
  • Example: Discuss both negotiations and terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
  • Marking scheme: No need for equal length in discussion but must cover both aspects.

Importance of Context and Dates

• Be aware of the dates mentioned, such as 1921.
• Provide context and background leading up to the date (e.g., events before the Anglo-Irish Treaty).

Analyzing the Term "Controversial"

• Understand "controversial" in historical terms:
  • Not necessarily scandalous but impactful.
  • Consider divisions, resentments, or other effects caused by the treaty.
• Make an argument regarding the controversy.

Chief Examiner's Report Insights

• Key Advice:
  • Avoid solely summarizing case studies.
  • Engage with narrative and analytical demands.
  • Use historical arguments and opinions effectively.

Essay Introduction

• Strengths:
  • Clear stance presented.
  • Last sentence outlines the focus on controversy.
• Improvements:
  • More background/context on 1916 and the War of Independence.
  • Practice summarizing key events briefly.

Main Body Analysis

• Paragraph 1:

  • Contains specific facts, evidence, quotes, and dates.
  • Could improve by linking back to the question more.

• Paragraphs 6-7:

  • Good linkage between paragraphs.
  • Highlighted constitutional issues and the British stance.
  • Slight missed opportunity to elaborate on arguments about the controversy.

Conclusion

• Current State:

  • Summarizes the topic simply and accurately.
  • Needs more depth and argument.

• Recommendations:

  • Provide a stronger summary and a statement of findings.
  • Place issues in a wider context (e.g., divide in Sinn Féin, civil war politics).

Final Thoughts

• Complete teardown of the Leaving Cert history essay.
• Encouragement to explore annotated essays for further detail.
• Conclusion: Engage in thoughtful historical analysis and context.