1. Cracking the Global Regents Thematic Essay
Here is a Thematic Essay based on what we have been studying in class: the Protestant Reformation, specifically, the impact of Martin Luther.
Here is a simple way to “crack” the Regents Essay Format.
The Thematic Essay is not going to change; this format will help you to think your way through any thematic essay.

2. The Reformation: Thematic Essay

3. Thematic Essay:
Theme: Throughout History, the actions of leaders have changed the society in which they lived.
Task: Identify two leaders who changed the society in which they lived, and for each:
Describe one situation the leader attempted to change.
Describe one action the leaders took to change the situation.
Discuss the impact of that action on the society in which the leader lived.

4. The Essay is in two “pieces”: Theme/Task
A idea applying to many Global Units
Gives you a major idea to focus on...
“Theme”
This is your “map” for the Essay
Usually gives you two or three things to do.
“Task”
Intro: Reflects both Theme and Task
Body Paragraphs = Following “Task” carefully...
“Cracking the Essay”

5. What two “pieces” comprise this Thematic?
Leaders who Have Changed Society
Luther is the leader you choose!
“Change Essay”

6. Trigger Words: What are these triggers asking you to do? Identify =
Describe =
Discuss =

7. “Trigger Words” on this Essay
Identify: Leader
Describe: Situation/Action(s) Taken
Details/Facts/Examples
Discuss: Impact on Society
Your Analysis

8. “Trigger Words” Applied to This Question
Luther
Describe: Situation/Action(s) Taken
Discuss: Impact on Society

9. How to Construct Your “Three Step” Intro:
Big Picture = “Theme”
Narrow Focus = Global “Example”
Direction = Task Statement

10. “Luther” Essay: Your Thoughts?

11. Simple Reminders:
Theme = Global Issue that we see in many eras in our course.
Task = At least two choices/examples you will have to make.
For each of these choices...you will normally have to perform a few “tasks”
Follow the task specifically, (Trigger Words) and your body paragraphs will be easily determined.
Once you organize your essay, work backwards, and then compose your introduction.

12. Organizing Your Essay:
Ok...how do go about organizing the Essay?
Always consider your task...
It will lead you to at least two or three “things” you have to do.
These things will lead you to how many body paragraphs you should have.
Let’s look back at the question:

13. Task to Paragraph Equation: (1 to 1)
Describe one situation the leader attempted to change. (¶)
Describe one action the leaders took to change the situation. (¶)
Discuss the impact of that action on the society in which the leader lived. (¶)
Three body paragraphs!!!

14. Body Paragraph 1: ¶ #1 Describe the Situation =
Talk about the Abuses of the Catholic Church
Be sure to use specific terms and examples...

15. ¶ #2 Describe the Action taken = Include the Catholic Response
Body Paragraph #2
¶ #2 Describe the Action taken =
Luther/95 Theses
Include the Catholic Response

16. Body Paragraph #3 ¶ #3 Discuss the impact on Society
Catholic Counter-Reformation
Growth of other Protestant Religions