Essay Planning: The Battle of Thermopylae

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet guides students through planning an essay about the Battle of Thermopylae, focusing on key points, evidence, and critical analysis.

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Essay Planning: The Battle of Thermopylae

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

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Essay Title and Introduction

Essay Title: Was the Battle of Thermopylae a decisive turning point in the Persian Wars?**

Introduction thesis: Outline the significance of Thermopylae as a symbolic and strategic event in the Persian Wars.

1.
Explain what the essay will argue about the importance of Thermopylae. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
B

Point 1: Greek Defense and Strategy

Point 1: The narrow pass at Thermopylae allowed the Greeks to hold off a much larger Persian force.

'The Greeks chose the narrow pass to maximize their defensive advantage against the Persians.' Provenance: Ancient historian Herodotus, The Histories.

1.
Outline how the geography of Thermopylae helped the Greek defenders. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the Greek strategy at Thermopylae with their overall approach in the Persian Wars. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
C

Point 2: Spartan Leadership and Morale

Point 2: The courage and leadership of the Spartans inspired the Greek resistance.

'The Spartans fought to the death, embodying Greek valor.' Provenance: Herodotus, The Histories.

1.
Explain how Spartan leadership influenced Greek morale during the battle. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the military contributions of Spartans to other Greek city-states during Thermopylae. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
D

Counter-argument: The Battle's Limitations

Counter-argument: Some historians argue that Thermopylae was a tactical defeat that did not prevent the Persian invasion.

'While symbolic, the battle ultimately did not stop the Persians from advancing into Greece.' Provenance: Modern historian analysis.

1.
Explain the limitations of the Greek victory at Thermopylae. (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the strategic impact of Thermopylae with the naval victory at Salamis. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
E

Conclusion and Overall Significance

Conclusion: Summarize the importance of Thermopylae in the context of the Persian Wars, considering both its symbolic and strategic impacts.

1.
Outline the overall significance of the Battle of Thermopylae in the Persian Wars. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

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