Read the QuestionRead the Question

• When given the test, carefully read the question. Figure out exactly what it is asking first.

• Underline key parts of the question such as time period

• Answer the question given, not the question you wish had been given!!!

• Answer the question in your thesis, but not by restating it in sentence form!

Brainstorm Outside Information

• Make a list of all the historical facts Make a list of all the historical facts related to the topic that you know.related to the topic that you know.

• Look for a logical way to organize Look for a logical way to organize the information into your answer.the information into your answer.

• You do not have to use all of the You do not have to use all of the information…only the parts that fit information…only the parts that fit with your argument.with your argument.

Make an OutlineMake an Outline

• After writing your thesis, map out your essay.– 1. Thesis with 3 main points

– 2. Argument 1• Proof, proof, proof, more proof

• Plug the outside information that you brainstormed into your outline. Only use the information that fits with the point you are arguing in your thesis. Don’t use filler!

The Format:I. Introductory Paragraph

A. Background Information – 1-3 sentencesB. Main Point 1 – Summarize in a sentenceC. Main Point 2 – Summarize in a sentenceD. Main Point 3 – Summarize in a sentenceE. Thesis Statement

II. Supporting Paragraph 1A. State Main PointB. Support your pointC. Link to Thesis and transition

III. Supporting Paragraph 2 A. State Main PointB. Support your pointC. Link to Thesis and transition

IV. Supporting Paragraph 3 I. State Main PointII. Support your pointIII. Link to Thesis and transition

V. Conclusion – summarize your argument

Have a good Introduction!Have a good Introduction!

• Graders will spend about 3 minutes on an essay…if your intro is bad you have already lost half the battle! Impress them early.

• 3 sentences will not cut it!!!

• The intro is a great place for background information--At this point it is okay to go out of the time period of the question a bit.

• Thesis should be the last sentence of your essay and should NOT be underlined!

AnalyzeAnalyze instead of Describe instead of Describe

• Good:Good: – The gospel of wealth popularized by Andrew The gospel of wealth popularized by Andrew

Carnegie in “Wealth” made the accumulation of Carnegie in “Wealth” made the accumulation of wealth not only respectable, but also a moral wealth not only respectable, but also a moral duty.duty.

• Bad:Bad:– Andrew Carnegie wrote “Wealth” and Russell Andrew Carnegie wrote “Wealth” and Russell

Conwell wrote Conwell wrote Acres of DiamondsAcres of Diamonds. These books . These books said that giving to the less fortunate was the duty said that giving to the less fortunate was the duty of all wealthy citizens.of all wealthy citizens.

Stick to the PointStick to the Point• The topic sentence for each body paragraph

should relate back to your thesis and everything in each body paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

• Use transitions to get from one paragraph or idea to another. No transitions, no good.

• Example:– In addition to ignoring Germany’s occupation of

the Rhineland and annexation of Austria, Great Britain and France appeased him at Munich in 1938.