5 Steps to Writing an Historical Essay
Written by Liz Cooksey
High School Social Studies Teacher
The purpose of this guide is to walk a high school student through an easy step-by-step process of writing an historical essay.
Writing an essay for history is not necessarily the same as it may be for an English class.
Through the next few pages we will cover a basic overview of the process while also pointing out some "do's and don'ts" of writing an historical essay.
Step 1: Brainstorm
Once you have read the question or prompt, you must determine the key points you will need to address and then brainstorm ideas that will support your points.
Step 2: Create a Thesis Statement
The purpose of a thesis is to summarize the key arguements of your essay into one firm statement. Strong thesis statements usually need to include about 3 points that you intend to prove through the essay.
When coming up with your thesis for a historical essay there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to include specific examples that you will later discuss in detail
- Do not use 1st person
- Do not write refer to "this essay"
Step 3: Create an Introduction Paragraph
Creating an introduction paragraph becomes more easy once the thesis has been determined. The purpose of this paragraph is only to introduce your ideas, not describe in detail or length.
When writing your introduction there are a few ideas you need to keep in mind:
- Open with a broad statement
- Each sentence should get a little more specific and detailed, but not actually discussing the content of the essay.
- The introduction paragraph should conclude with the thesis you have already constructed.
Some people may prefer to write their thesis first as we have done here, or some may choose to begin writing their introduction paragraph and then figure out the thesis as they get there. Neither way is wrong!
Step 4: Write the Body
The majority of your work will appear here, in the body of the essay. This will usually be a minimum of 3 paragraphs (more or less depending on how many points included in you thesis).
Between each major idea you need to use creatively phrased transition statements that allow the flow of the essay to not be disrupted.
The key to a good body portion of your essay is to remember to only discuss 1 major idea per paragraph. Make districtions between you major ideas in order to help support your thesis.
Step 5: Conclusion
The conclusion is the easiest part of your essay. Here you should wrap up you main ideas that you have thoroughly discussed and argued throughout your body paragraphs.
Make sure not to introduce any new points here. this is simply to close out your final thoughts. You should, however, restate the ideas from your thesis within the conclusion paragraph.
Here is a visual representation of what your essay should look like:
Several pointers for writing your essay:
- DON’T use 1st person
- No “I” “me” “we” “us"
- Don’t use definitive's…
- “never” “always”
- Don’t say it unless you are SURE!!!
- If you aren’t, then phrase is as “likely”
Here are a few phrases that may help you out as you begin to write:
What do you do now???
GET STARTED!!!
Follow these 5 steps and you'll be sure to impress your history teacher with your historical writing skills!
Images from:
http://www.unm.edu/~tinan/writing/ged_essay_directions.htm
http://drb.lifestreamcenter.net/Lessons/process_maps/
http://languagearts.pppst.com/essays.html
http://www.cisc.gc.ca/annual_reports/annual_report_2008/conclusion_2008_e.html
http://www.expertessaysblog.com/2011/10/essay-help-body-paragraphs/
http://esol960.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/writing-an-introduction/
http://www.writers-block-help.com/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement.html
http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/safety_signs/danger_do_not_enter_sign.png.html
