Exemplar essay analysis: Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?

Last updated: 26/11/2023
Contributor: Teachit Author
Exemplar essay analysis: Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
Main Subject
Key stage
Category
Middle Ages c.410-1450: 1066
Resource type
Assessment
Self-assessment
Student activity
Worksheet
Concepts and methods
Cause and consequence

A really useful introduction to essay writing for key stage 3 students in the context of the Norman Conquest. An example essay (on ‘Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?’) is provided, and students are tasked with marking it. Using the hamburger analogy, they look for successful topic sentences, 'meaty' fillings and good concluding explanations. They also have the opportunity to identify weaker points and improve them.

Extract from the essay

The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066 because King Edward had died leaving the English throne without an heir. Harold Godwinson seized the throne but he had two rivals, Harald Hardrada and William of Normandy. William eventually won the battle and the throne of England, and this piece of writing explains why.

One reason that William won was because he was better prepared for the battle than Harold. He had over two weeks to get ready after landing in Pevensey Bay. His men were well fed and rested. Harold, on the other hand, had just fought Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge and had to march back down south to fight William. Some of his army had been killed, others were injured, and they were all tired from the long march.

Another major reason that William won the battle was because his army was better than Harold’s. Lots of Harold’s men were just farmers, but all the Norman soldiers had good weapons. This meant that William was in a strong position at the start of the battle.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

1
However, it was very not to the point..

Lily Mikersons

26/11/2023

5
Amazing! Very resourceful, it really helped!!

Lily Mikersons

26/11/2023

5
really interesting
gets point across quickly

30/11/2022

4
its really helpful

20/09/2022

1
However, it was very not to the point..

Lily Mikersons

26/11/2023

5
Amazing! Very resourceful, it really helped!!

Lily Mikersons

26/11/2023

5
really interesting
gets point across quickly

30/11/2022

4
its really helpful

20/09/2022

5

29/04/2020

5

17/03/2019

looking for way of getting the kids to recognise the structure of the essay and be able to use the burger concept in the future. as well as start spotting the connectives.

30/09/2014

5

5

5