1. Writing for History
World History

2. Writing for history (v. for language arts)
History essays should be objective (not creative writing!)
Your essay should make an argument & seek to prove that argument
Organization is important! (Intro., body paragraphs, conclusion)
This is a test of your knowledge of history (include content-related vocabulary!)

3. General tips for good writing . . .
No personal pronouns! Use 3rd person.
Avoid asking rhetorical questions (state the facts).
No “fluff”—get to the point (this is timed!)
Spelling and grammar are not graded, but they do make an impression!
“Fluffy”

4. Pre-writing Pre-writing is crucial!! It helps you focus on the prompt.
Start by “dissecting” prompt:
Compare and contrast the goals and philosophies of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans following the ratification of the Constitution.

5. Pre-writing
Compare and contrast the goals and philosophies of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans following the ratification of the Constitution.

6. Pre-writing Strategies
Adjust your pre-writing strategies for different writing tasks!
Venn Diagrams
3-column charts
Cause/Effect Charts
“Change Over Time”
Outlines/Box Outlines

7. Writing a THESIS
The thesis statement is the MOST important sentence of your essay!
Make an argument!! (Make sure it is interesting and it can be proven.)
Do not simply re-state the prompt.
The thesis should also provide a “road map” for the rest of your essay.
A good thesis could be 1 or 2 sentences.

8. Organizing Your Body Paragraphs
2-4 body paragraphs are suggested (depending on prompt).
Structure of a body paragraph:
Topic sentence/Transition sentence
4-5 sentences of supporting evidence (historical examples & details)
Concluding/transition sentence
In a DBQ, document references serve as “evidence” in your body paragraphs.
In a “free-response” question, evidence must come from your brain!!
Oww—it hurts!!!

9. Acronyms to organize your thoughts . . .
PIRATES!!
P= political
I= intellectual
R= religious
A= artistic
T= technological
E= economic
S= social

10. Acronyms to organize your thoughts . . .
SOAPSTone (also for written documents)
S= Subject
O= Occasion
A= Audience
P= Purpose
S= Speaker & POV
Tone (Attitude, emotion)

11. Acronyms to organize your thoughts . . .
CORNPEG (for analyzing “Point of View”, in particular)
Class
Occupation
Religion
Nationality
Political Affiliation
Ethnicity
Gender