writing a history essay
DESCRIPTION
Writing a history essay. Do Now: Think of a time you were “stuck” when writing a paper. What steps or strategies do you think may have helped you?. The pain of writing an essay. Video Steps we can take to avoid being like Spongebob …. 5 steps for evidence based writing. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Writing a history essay
Do Now: Think of a time you were “stuck” when writing a paper. What steps or strategies do you think may
have helped you?
Video Steps we can take to avoid being like
Spongebob…
The pain of writing an essay
1. Determine the question being asked 2. Actively read the documents, taking notes
of the main idea 3. Develop a thesis based on the documents
and the question 4. Identify the evidence you will use to support
your thesis 5. Develop an outline which includes an
opening (thesis), evidential body, and closing that summarizes your argument
5 steps for evidence based writing
How will you answer the question being asked? What evidence is there to support your thesis? How will you organize your presentation of the
evidence? How will you sum up your argument in the closing?
Developing an argument
Become familiar
with organizers such as this one. Organize
your outline into a similar
structure before writing.
Never use 1st person. Never write “In this essay.” Never write “In my opinion” or “I think.” It’s
redundant. Do not use the general you. Use one instead. Avoid using this or that as a subject (i.e., This
made an enormous difference). It is better to be more specific: (i.e., This new development made an enormous difference).
Style
When you first discuss an author or historical
figure, use first and last name. After this, you are free to use last name only. Do not, however, refer to historical figures by their first name; e.g., Karl Marx should be referred to as Marx, rather than Karl. This rule applies for women as well as men. Emily Dickinson should be called Dickinson rather than Mrs. Dickinson.
Using names- Style
Introduce quoted material.
As esteemed author and writer John Smith writes in his 1776 memoir, ‘I was a ….’
This is clearly the case when Smith writes… Examples or quotations s hould not, however,
be introduced as follows: On page five it says… or In the book it says…
Quotes and style
List three strategies in structure or style you
will utilize in your next evidence based writing task.
Exit reflection