MR. MIZELL, HISTORY, YEAR II Writing in Social Studies

What’s on the Test? Why we study history (why is it important) Primary vs Secondary Sources Types of governments Types of economies PERSIA Vocab

Essential Questions How am I supposed to write in social studies?

What kind of writing will I be doing? Mostly short-responses (1-3 paragraphs) 1 paragraph = 5-7 sentences End of the year: 1 paragraph = 8-10 sentences

Why bother writing? Let me break it to you… You will be writing for the rest of your lives especially if you want a decent job You will write more in high school and even more in college  Papers in college range from 5-30 pages  My senior thesis was close to 50 pages Also, so you can be smart, go to the college you want, and get the job you want

Writing about Social Studies An essay requires an argument or arguments. Analysis of data/info to support arguments Not simply a summary (unless requested)

How do I collect information to write about? Start with summaries (i.e. your notes) Read articles (primary and secondary) Keep track of what you learn by writing down notes as you read Make connections with various sources

Basic Paragraph Outline 1 st sentence: Topic Sentence (intro) 4-5 body sentences: information, analysis, arguments supporting your statement in the topic sentence Last sentence: summarize

The Topic Sentence Every paragraph should have a topic sentence  A topic sentence introduces what your paragraph will be about. It should be broad Example: “Ancient Egypt possessed many factors that made it one of the world’s major civilizations.”  By saying “many factors,” I have kept it broad.

The Body Sentences They are there to support your statement/topic sentence Example: “One of the factors that made Egypt a great civilization was its economy which relied on agriculture along the Nile River.”  Make the connection back to your overall argument

The Conclusion Sentence Summarize your paragraph: Example: “Overall, Egypt’s economy, political leadership, and organized religion created a vast and powerful civilization.”

Other Tips Do not use I, me, or you. Use “one”  Do not use: With all of these factors, you may assume that Egypt was a great civilization.  Use: With all of these factors, one may assume that Egypt was a great civilization. Do not say “In my opinion”  I have given you the topic and the paper represents your opinion. Avoid exclamation points Avoid using the same word several times in a sentence or paragraph.

Practice 1.Read the Egyptian Civilization article 2.Write one paragraph (6 or more complete sentences) 3.Explain why Egypt is a great civilization using three or more of the influences/features of P.E.R.S.I.A. (choose any three).

Pre-Writing Understand the topic that has been assigned. Ex: What are the pros and cons of socialism? Create a one-sentence thesis  While socialism came about in the 1800s, this economic theory is still debated today due to its positive and negative effects on society and the economy.

Research Start with summaries (i.e. your notes) Read articles (primary and secondary) Keep track of what you learn by writing down notes as you read

Outlining Paragraph one: Background info and Thesis Paragraphs two – however many: Major Point  Each of these “body” paragraphs should begin with a mini thesis/intro for that paragraph  Evidence to support the main point Major Point: One of the benefits of socialism is that it creates a social welfare net to protect the poor. Evidence #1: European countries that have adopted aspects of socialism have installed programs such as universal healthcare. With this program, no one in society, including the poor, are deprived of medical treatment.

Using Sources Cite your sources even if you paraphrase Quotations (use wisely) Example:  Dr. Ellis, an economic professor, was quite clear in describing socialism as a system that promotes laziness, stating: “Mankind would learn very quickly that working hard gets you nowhere under socialism.”  It is clear from the evidence given by Dr. Ellis and Smith, that complete socialism will never work.

Writing – Essay Format The beginning is the introduction, which sets the scene and contains your thesis The middle is the body, which gives the evidence that proves your thesis The end is the conclusion, which restates your thesis and explains its relevance.