How To write an

How To write an

EssayEssayIn World GeographyIn World Geography

An excellent essay is Like a Tasty Hamburger

An excellent essay is Like a Tasty Hamburger

The “Top Bun” of your essay!

3-5 sentences

The Introductory Paragraph

The Introductory Paragraph

• Establish TIME & PLACE.

• Create a clear, THESIS STATEMENT.[underline or highlight it!]

• Allude to the SUB-TOPICS or categories you will discuss to support your thesis statement

• Focus on the question at hand—do NOT begin with a “flowery” sentence!

The Introductory ParagraphThe Introductory Paragraph

No “laundry list!”

The “tasty” part of your essay!

4-5 sentences+ per paragraph

The “”Meat”” ParagraphsThe “”Meat”” Paragraphs

• Identify your sub-topic or category in the first sentence.

• Include the journal pages that are relevant to support the ideas in the paragraph. Do this in citation format (explained later)

• Bring in supportive outside information. This is critical!! * o.i.’s = “outside information” are things you add from your brain.

The “”Meat”” ParagraphsThe “”Meat”” Paragraphs

• A Theocracy is very much like a Monarchy, in that it is a very old form of Government. (Pg. 39)

NEVER begin with: On page 39, …

How to Reference a Journal Page in Your Essay

How to Reference a Journal Page in Your Essay

The “Bottom Bun” of your essay!

It holds it all together!

3-4 sentences

The Concluding Paragraph

The Concluding Paragraph

1. Start with a “concluding phrase.”

2. Restate your thesis statement a bit differently.

3. Put your essay answer in a larger historical perspective.

End of some trend/movement/idea, etc.

Beginning of some trend/movement/idea

End of one & beginning of another.

Do NOT end on the note that this is the reason we are where we are today!

The Concluding” ParagraphThe Concluding” Paragraph

Put It All Together, And . . . .Put It All Together, And . . . .

mmmmm, Burger!mmmmm, Burger!

I Mean, A Perfect Essay!I Mean, A Perfect Essay!

Introduction: Political Geography is a branch of Geography that encompasses how nation’s develop borders, the types of government that govern nations, and the political processes that help governments make decisions. A nation’s borders are determined by physical factors, as well as human modifications. The type of government a nation chooses, can range from a democracy to a dictatorship. How a nation deals with decision making is determined by the political processes that are present.

I. National BordersA. Physical factors

1. Types a.

2. (Outside Information or OI)B. Human modifications

1. (type of human factor with OI)2. (type of human factor with OI)3. (type of human factor with OI)

II. Types of Government

EXAMPLE

Political Geography Outline53

Introduction: Political Geography is a branch of Geography that encompasses how nations develop borders, the types of government that govern nations, and the political processes that help governments make decisions. A nation’s borders are determined by physical factors, as well as human modifications. The type of government a nation chooses, can range from a democracy to a dictatorship. How a nation deals with decision making is determined by the political processes that are present.

I. National Borders (N or T, p. __)A. Physical factors

1. Types a.b. c. d.

2. Examplesa. (Outside Information or OI)b. (Outside Information or OI)

B. Human modifications1. (type of human factor with OI)2. (type of human factor with OI)3. (type of human factor with OI)

II. Types of Government

II. Types of GovernmentA. Monarchy

1. Absolute Monarchy2. Constitutional Monarchy

B. Democracy (w/OI)C. Republic (w/OI)D. Dictatorship (w/OI)E. Theocracy (w/OI)

III. Political ProcessesA. Importance of Different Viewpoints (w/OI)B. Cultural Beliefs (w/OI)C. International Hot Spots (w/OI)D. Decision making process

Outside Information/ Examples –

This is a skeleton of the last two paragraphs. You need to

add OI (1, 2, a, b).

Conclusion:Determining borders, choosing a type of

government, and having some type of political process by which important decisions are made are all part of the study of Political Geography. Borders are important because ______________.Understanding the type of government a country has is important ______________________. Knowing the political processes a government uses to determine the right path can help our country ___________________.