Write a short commentary (600 words maximum length) on either primary source extract A or primary source extract B.

Please also note that, at third level, we would expect your analysis to go beyond the discussion of the document itself and for you to relate it briefly to the historiographical controversies on the origins of the war if relevant, or to refer to the work of historians where appropriate. The worked example shows how this could be done.

Please note, finally, that this task does not ask you to write a general essay about the origins of the First World War. You will do best if you stick to the rubric, explaining what the document is (including its potential merits and limitations), discussing the historical context in which it was produced or to which it refers, highlighting specific points of interest in the document, and discussing the document’s relevance with regard to the historiographical debate on the causes of the war.