Key inquiry questions

1. Observe, question and plan – Is there a historical controversy or mystery students are intrigued by? Decide on a specific person, place, issue, event or development to investigate. Why is it of interest? What is needed to investigate the topic?

2. Research – Think about where the topic fits in history. Locate and select appropriate primary and secondary sources. These may either support or contradict your topic question(s).

3. Interpret and analyse – Critique the sources by thinking about what evidence can be derived from them, distinguishing between fact and opinion, adopting different perspectives and deciding what information is the most important.

4. Conclude and communicate – Develop a conclusion to the topic/inquiry question based on the sources. Select the most effective method for communicating this information. Develop drafts and allow time for editing. Take into account the audience when presenting.

5. Discuss and review – All information is contestable. Allow for conclusions to the original question to be discussed. In light of new evidence, conclusions may change at a later date, in which case the topic is reviewed and the inquiry process begins again.