Essay Planning: The Causes and Impact of Witchcraft Accusations in Early Modern Britain

History
GCSE Grade 8 / Year 9
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through planning an essay on the causes and effects of witchcraft accusations during the Early Modern period. It scaffolds the essay structure with questions on introduction, main points, counter-arguments, and conclusion, encouraging analytical thinking.

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Essay Planning: The Causes and Impact of Witchcraft Accusations in Early Modern Britain

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE Grade 8 / Year 9
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE Grade 8 / Year 9
A

Essay Title and Introduction

Essay Title:

Explain the main causes and impact of witchcraft accusations in Early Modern Britain.

Introduction Thesis:

Outline the significance of understanding why witchcraft accusations increased and how they affected society during this period.

1.
What is the main focus of your essay? Write a brief introduction thesis explaining why witchcraft accusations increased during the Early Modern period. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
B

Point 1: Religious Beliefs and Superstitions

Point 1:

Explain how religious beliefs and superstitions contributed to witchcraft accusations.

Evidence:

During this period, fears of heresy and the influence of the Church promoted belief in witches and the devil, leading to increased suspicion.

Questions:

1.
Explain how religious beliefs influenced the witch hunts in Early Modern Britain. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the role of superstitions and religious beliefs in causing witchcraft accusations. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

Point 2: Social and Political Factors

Point 2:

Analyse how social tensions and political instability contributed to the witch hunts.

Evidence:

Periods of war, poverty, and social unrest increased people's fear and suspicion, leading to more accusations.

Questions:

1.
Explain how social tensions and political instability led to increased witchcraft accusations. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the impact of social unrest and political instability on witchcraft accusations. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
D

Counter-Argument: Skepticism about Witchcraft Beliefs

Counter-Argument:

Some historians argue that many accusations were driven by social, economic, or personal motives rather than genuine belief in witchcraft.

Questions:

1.
Explain why some historians believe that not all witchcraft accusations were based on genuine beliefs. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse how this counter-argument affects our understanding of witch hunts. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
E

Conclusion and Evaluation

Conclusion:

Summarise the main causes and effects of witchcraft accusations, considering different perspectives.

Evaluation Question:

Write a brief paragraph evaluating the importance of religious beliefs versus social and political factors in causing witch hunts.

1.
Summarise the main causes and effects of witchcraft accusations in Early Modern Britain. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Write a brief evaluative paragraph explaining whether religious beliefs or social and political factors were more important in causing witch hunts. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet