2. • You have to choose a topic to investigate. Remember,
it should be a debate (a topic where you can find
evidence/opinions for or against different issues)
• The choice for this is yours. However you should
check any ideas with your teacher.
• When choosing a topic, make sure you can identify at
least three different factors to research
• You should pick one of these factors and make it the
focus of your question (called an isolated factor)

3. • To what extent did … ?
• How important was … ?
• How significant was … ?
• “Quote.” How valid is this view?
For example…
•How important were ideological differences in
helping cause the Cold War?
•How significant was the influence of religion in
Britain ending the slave trade?
•To what extent was the Potato Famine the main
reason that Irish people left their homelands?

4. • To what extent was [factor] the main reason
that [state issue]?
• How important was [factor] to [state issue]?
• “[Factor] was the main reason that [state
issue].” How valid is this view?
Suggested question stems
Choose a topic where there are at least three
possible answers