1. Common Mistakes writing immediately after reading question, without proper planning – usually results in a string of disconnected thoughts failing to identify EXACTLY what the question is asking failing to address ALL parts of a question failing to clearly state thesis failing to use evidence and analytical thought in support of thesis – results in “rambling narrative” instead of structured argument failing to create and maintain a clear outline (structure) failing to connect evidence/thoughts DIRECTLY to the question/topic

2. Strategies for Success attack questions methodically and systematically  have a PLAN!!! – 1  identify EXACT time period (s) addressed in the question – 2  analyze the question—what is being asked? – 3  identify ALL the elements that must be addressed – essay should reflect the subtleties of the question organized brainstorm of possible supporting evidence – make a list for EACH part of the question – review and decide what best fits thesis argument – clearly state intent when using evidence present your thesis CLEARLY with a clean/neat structure – should BOLDLY and accurately answer the question – thesis/intro should CLEARLY outline the rest of the essay

3. No Structure = No Scholar INTRODUCTION (1 st paragraph) – briefly provide historical context DIRECTLY related to the question – CLEARLY define the boundaries of the EXACT time period in the question – use INTRO to frame argument  should be a CLEAR segue to thesis THESIS (1 st paragraph) – should be a decisive statement that DIRECTLY answers ALL parts of question – assertive declaration of your decision to make a specific ARGUMENT – OUTLINE the individual PARTS of your argument in order they’ll be addressed PART 1 – clearly ANNOUNCE that you are NOW discussing THIS PART of question – use historical EVIDENCE to support your answer to THIS PART the question PART 2 (clearly ANNOUNCE transition) PART 3 (clearly ANNOUNCE transition) CONCLUSION (last paragraph) – confidently restate THESIS  should answer ALL PARTS of the question

4. Creative Tip from a Crazy Teacher imagine using a handful of different highlighters to structure essay – associate a different color with each structural element 1.INTRO/Context 2.THESIS 3.PART 1 4.PART 2 5.PART 3 6.CONCLUSION You should be able to EASILY identify each element in your essay! – after highlighting each element, the color pattern of your ENTIRE essay should appear just as SMOOTH and CLEAR as in the above list

5. Highlighting the Question before writing, visualize same highlighters when reading question – use the same color for INTRO/Context to identify the EXACT time period(s) – use the PART colors to identify ALL the elements that MUST be addressed – but, use a new color to identify exactly WHAT it asks you to do EXAMPLE: “Compare and Contrast U.S. foreign policy after WW1 and after WWII. Consider the periods 1919-1928 and 1945-1950.”