ESSAYS IN HISTORY

The BASIC Structure of an Essay Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Body Paragraph 5: Conclusion Your essay should start with an introductory paragraph.  Your second, third and fourth paragraphs generally begins the body of the paper.  The conclusion should relate to the introduction. 

THINK OF YOUR ESSAY LIKE A HAMBURGER = (The “Top Bun”) Topic Sentence (meat), Detail 1 (lettuce), Detail 2 (tomato), Detail 3 (cheese) Topic Sentence (meat), Detail 1 (lettuce), Detail 2 (tomato), Detail 3 (cheese) Topic Sentence (meat), Detail 1 (lettuce), Detail 2 (tomato), Detail 3 (cheese) = (“The Bottom Bun”)

The Introduction (The Top Bun) I.  Introduction Introductory statement Two sentences about the topics Overview of topic being discussed (ex. Rise of democracy in West) Define Key Vocabulary (ex. Democracy) Background information (Greeks and Romans) Thesis statement The thesis must address all parts of the question/prompt. The thesis must contain 3 organizational categories (X,Y,Z) The thesis must be clear, concise, analytical and specific Your essay should start with an introductory paragraph.  Often, essays begin with a general introductory statement.  This statement could be an anecdote, description, striking statistic, a fact that will lead to your thesis, etc. Beginning this way, you will use the first few sentences to prepare, or "lay the groundwork" for your thesis, and use the last sentence of the first paragraph to present your thesis. 

The Body (3 Paragraphs) Each Paragraph Transition 5 to 7 sentences each!! Transition Help the reader follow the essay examples? Topic sentence (MEAT) Must refer back to thesis statement What are you going to talk about in the paragraph Three Concrete Details (Lettuce, tomato, cheese) Facts about the topic Example: Rule of law is an example of laws that influenced our government Commentary for each Concrete Detail (what does it mean, how does it help                    This paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the first supporting idea (the support for your thesis).  You should use the middle of the paragraph to discuss your support, give examples, and analyze the significance of these examples.  Your last sentence of the body paragraph could be used to draw a conclusion for that supporting idea, or to transition into the next paragraph.

The Conclusion (The Bottom Bun) III. Conclusion Transition Reword Thesis Statement Use different words!!! Restatement of key points Examples? The three branches What checks and balances are Concluding Statements Declarative statement about the topic Why should we care? Why is it important? The conclusion should relate to the introduction.  One good way to conclude a paper is to begin the last paragraph with a statement that reflects on what has been stated without repeating it exactly.  Then you should briefly restate your key points to gently remind the reader how well you proved your thesis.  Your conclusion should end with a statement or idea that leaves a strong impression and provokes further thought.