11 History Home

Task 1. The British Raj

To what extent do you agree with the following statement.

'British colonial rule was responsible for the decline of India and only benefitted England'.

The following are specific sub questions (paragraphs) that you should address in your response.

  • What were the motives behind the British imperial expansion generally and with specific reference to India?

  • What were the impacts of the colonisation of India on the Indians (good and bad)?

  • What were the impacts of the colonisation of India on the British (good and bad)?

Use the following guide to help structure and write this response:

  • Essay written entirely in class

  • No AI tools, internet, or notes beyond the approved planning page

  • One handwritten or printed Essay Plan Notes page allowed (see below)

  • Teacher may set slightly different questions for different classes

  • Submit planning notes at the end of the test.

Remember: Strong essays are built on clear thinking, not perfect wording.

If you cannot explain your argument without reading it, you do not understand it.

 

Essay planning instructions

Allowed Format

  • Bullet points only

  • Single A4 page

  • Handwritten or teacher approved printed sheet

  • No full sentences

  • No quotations longer than 5 words

Not Allowed

  • Paragraphs of prose

  • Pre‑written introductions or conclusions

  • Model answers

  • AI‑generated text copied verbatim

 

How to plan your essay

For each body paragraph

  • Main claim

  • 2–3 pieces of specific evidence

  • Link to the question

Ensure you include a counter argument.

  • Alternative interpretation

  • Limitation of your argument

Paragraph Plan

P1. Discussion of the British motives for empire.

  • What is meant by the term 'Age of imperialism'

  • Describe British imperial ambitions, what did they hope to gain?

  • What were the aims of the East India Company and how did this ultimately lead to British government rule of India?

P2. Explain the negative aspects of colonisation for India

P3. Explain the positive aspects of colonisation for India

P4. Explain the positive aspects of colonisation for the United Kingdom

P5. Explain the negative aspects of colonisation for the United Kingdom

Conclusion