Writing for History Class Let’s clarify a few points

The Prompt Student’s oath: I solemnly promise to answer the question, the whole question and nothing but the question Take your time, look carefully at the wording of the question Be certain you thoroughly understand what you are being asked to do Evaluate, describe, compare/contrast, analyze

What your essay should look like Essay Structure

Essay Elements Scholarly writing from an essay to a book follow this basic structure: Thesis and evidence Divided into three parts: an introduction, development of your argument, and a conclusion. A thesis is a statement of your position, your particular interpretation, or your way of seeing a problem. It’s not only restating the question: you have to take a stance and answer the question It’s also not only your opinion: you must support your claim with historic evidence Evidence Choose the important facts Present them in a reasonable and persuasive way which defends your position (quotes, dates, and lists of details mean nothing by themselves)

As you write Organization: put your arguments with the corresponding evidence in a logical order Paragraph construction Strong topic sentences Several sentences long Transitions: when switching to a new argument, let the reader know with a new topic sentence Conclusion: close and summarize your arguments Think of it like a closing statement to a jury

How you SHOULD NOT write… Let’s talk mechanics

“I feel like…” Sentences that begin like this make history teachers SHUDDER No 1st or 2nd person in historical writing I, me, my, mine, we, our, us, you, yours are OFF LIMITS!!! No references to feelings or opinions in your essay The paper has your name on the top of it. We already know it’s your opinion; there is no need to tell us… Related to this is the dreaded sentence: “This this essay I will argue…” Don’t do it! Just say no!

“So some very important things were changed/made in this time “So some very important things were changed/made in this time. Just about everyone felt like things were better.” Casual writing: Don’t use a casual or conversational style (including / ) or asides to the reader. Weak writing: Non-specific claims that aren’t backed by evidence What were the changes? How did they make things better? Weak word choices: Stuff, things, got, very, all, feel, think, big, small, just