How Historical Events are Described?

 

 

 

by Fred Major

 

To understand history, scholars must rely on a wide range of sources. According to Studyfy's 2025 Research,  a stratified, weighted survey of 2,040 students across four countries,  72% of students studying history said that primary sources, such as diaries, speeches, and government records, are the most reliable. Secondary sources - textbooks and analyses - remain valuable but often reflect the author's perspective.
Table 1. Types of Historical Sources Used by Students (Studyfy 2025 Survey)


Source Type

% of Students Using

Example

Primary Sources

72%

Diaries, official documents

Secondary Sources

65%

Textbooks, research articles

Media Archives

48%

News reports, photographs

Oral Histories

33%

Interviews, cultural storytelling

Explanation: Primary sources dominate because they provide firsthand accounts. However, students also reported that media archives help them connect academic writing to lived experiences, particularly when they need historical events to write about in essays.

Perspectives and Bias in Historical Writing

History is never fully objective. Studyfy's 2025 History Analysis found that 59% of students believed bias strongly shapes the way history is recorded. Authors bring their cultural background, political leanings, and personal beliefs into their descriptions.
For example, U.S. Civil War accounts differ depending on whether they were written in the North or South. Similarly, colonial histories often minimized local voices. Recognizing these perspectives is crucial when learning how to describe history in an academic or creative context.
Bias awareness plays a central role in historical studies. To measure how well students recognize bias, Studyfy’s 2025 History Analysis asked participants about their approach to reading historical texts.
Figure 1. Student Awareness of Bias in Historical Accounts (Studyfy 2025 Survey)

  1. Strongly Aware of Bias: 59%
  2. Somewhat Aware: 28%
  3. Rarely Consider Bias: 13%


Explanation: This figure demonstrates that most students understand that historical writing is shaped by perspective. The challenge lies in separating fact from interpretation.

Methods of Describing Historical Events

Historians use multiple methods to present events. Chronological writing remains the most common, but thematic approaches are gaining popularity. For example, instead of narrating World War II strictly by dates, some scholars focus on themes such as propaganda, resistance, or daily civilian life.
Common Methods Historians Use:

  1. Chronological narration
  2. Thematic analysis
  3. Biographical storytelling
  4. Comparative history

This variety helps historians describe a historical event in a way that emphasizes either sequence, theme, or human impact. According to Studyfy's research, 41% of students preferred thematic analysis because it made complex events more understandable.

Academic Writing and Support in Historical Studies

Writing about history requires both critical analysis and strong writing skills. Studyfy's 2025 Academic Writing Survey showed that 64% of students found structuring historical essays to be their biggest challenge. Many turn to essay services online for support in drafting or editing.
These services do not replace learning but provide models of how to structure arguments and integrate sources. For example, a student struggling with how to describe history in an essay can review a professionally written sample to learn tone, citation style, and structure.
Students often use these services when professors assign essays that require them to tell the reader about a historical event while analyzing its causes and consequences.


Table 2. Student Challenges in Writing Historical Essays (Studyfy 2025 Survey)


Challenge

% of Students Reporting

Structuring Arguments

64%

Using Sources Effectively

52%

Avoiding Bias

37%

Grammar and Formatting Issues

45%

Explanation: The data shows that writing difficulties are widespread, particularly in structuring and source integration. Support services and practice can help bridge these gaps.

The Role of Media and Technology

Technology has transformed how history is taught and remembered. Studyfy's 2025 Media Study revealed that 71% of students use online archives and databases for research. Digital tools give access to photographs, video recordings, and interactive timelines that bring historical narratives to life.
Technology continues to reshape how history is studied and remembered. To explore this, Studyfy’s 2025 Media Study asked students which digital tools they use most often for research and learning.
Figure 2. Student Use of Technology in Historical Studies (Studyfy 2025 Survey)

  1. Online Archives: 71%
  2. Documentaries/Video: 63%
  3. Digital Timelines: 46%
  4. Podcasts: 39%


Explanation: Online archives remain the most common resource, but new media like podcasts are increasingly popular. This shift changes how students choose historical events to write about, making learning more interactive and diverse.

Reinterpretation of Historical Events Over Time

Historical narratives evolve as new evidence emerges. For instance, archaeological discoveries often reshape what we know about ancient civilizations. Similarly, declassified government documents can dramatically alter Cold War narratives.
Studyfy's 2025 Historical Perspective Report found that 57% of students believe reinterpretation improves understanding because it incorporates voices previously excluded. This aligns with modern efforts to emphasize inclusivity in how we describe a historical event for academic audiences.

Conclusion

The characteristics of historical events are not fixed. They are influenced by the sources used, the perspectives of the writers, and the methods of narration. Students must remain aware of bias and learn multiple approaches for describing history.
Academic writing plays a key role, and responsibly using essay services online can help students strengthen their ability to tell the reader about a historical event while still building independent skills. At the same time, technology and reinterpretation ensure history is never static - it is a living narrative that evolves with each generation of scholars.

Resources

  1. Britannia School. Describing a Historical Event. https://britannia-school.com/describing-a-historical-event/
  2. Lumen Learning. Describing Historical Events. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-ushistory1/chapter/dcs-describing-historical-events/
  3. Writer's Digest. Tips for Writing About Big Historical Events in Fiction. https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/5-tips-for-writing-about-big-historical-events-in-fiction
  4. ScienceDirect. Describing Historical Events: Cognitive Approaches. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883035597897327
  5. UNESCO. Teaching History in the Digital Age. https://www.unesco.org/en/history
  6. OECD. Education and Skills in the Digital Era. https://www.oecd.org/education/