Mr. Jones’ History Writing Tips

Writing Warm Up Do you consider yourself a good writer? Why or why not? Even good writers dream about the horrors of writing mistakes at night. Some even need a cat to comfort them. What are your writing demons?

Thesis Driven Argument The task at hand is to move beyond describing events and into arguing about them. This means that you will take a stand with a clearly written thesis, and then support your thesis with examples and evidence throughout your essay. Thesis: Answers the question of the prompt

The shape of a historical essay Five Paragraphs 1.Intro  Thesis Statement (your answer to the prompt)  Do not describe the intent of your essay… “This essay will…” and “I intend to…” do not work in this class. You need an argument, not a prediction about what your essay will or will not do.

Three Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence ( a smaller argument that supports your thesis statement). Specific fact or example that proves your topic sentence (no opinions here!!!) A second specific piece of evidence that supports your fact. Your historical analysis  Why does the facts/examples/quotes above prove your thesis?

Conclusion Re-state thesis Briefly Summarize your argument Knock out punch; larger impacts or implications of your argument.

Common Mistakes Do not write about yourself!!!  History is not about you. “I think…” “I feel…” or “I believe…” are all inappropriate ways to start a sentence when writing about history.  “I,” “me,” and “in my opinion” should be avoided for the same reasons.

Common Mistakes Avoid Pronouns – Students use the word “they” too often. I need to know who “they” are. Surely you are not writing about some sinister alien race, but I will assume that you are if I can’t tell who “they” are in your essay.

Common Mistakes Be careful on tense  Use past tense to write about historical events.  Dr. King wrote… the dead do not write. Be cautious of overreaching in your claims. Only use words like “every,” “all,” or “always” if you really mean it. – For example… “Dr. King meant did everything for the success of the Civil Rights movement…” leaves out a lot of people.

Essay Prompt Why was the Civil Rights movement effective? – Focus on the people/groups/organizations that made the movement effective. What did those people do to make the movement effective?