1. Writing for History Class
Let’s clarify a few points

2. The Prompt Student’s oath:
I solemnly promise to answer the question, the whole question and nothing but the question
Take your time, look carefully at the wording of the question
Be certain you thoroughly understand what you are being asked to do
Evaluate, describe, compare/contrast, analyze

3. What your essay should look like
Essay Structure

4. Essay Elements
Scholarly writing from an essay to a book follow this basic structure:
Thesis and evidence
Divided into three parts: an introduction, development of your argument, and a conclusion.
A thesis is a statement of your position, your particular interpretation, or your way of seeing a problem.
It’s not only restating the question: you have to take a stance and answer the question
It’s also not only your opinion: you must support your claim with historic evidence
Evidence
Choose the important facts
Present them in a reasonable and persuasive way which defends your position (quotes, dates, and lists of details mean nothing by themselves)

5. As you write
Organization: put your arguments with the corresponding evidence in a logical order
Paragraph construction
Strong topic sentences
Several sentences long
Transitions: when switching to a new argument, let the reader know with a new topic sentence
Conclusion: close and summarize your arguments
Think of it like a closing statement to a jury

6. How you SHOULD NOT write…
Let’s talk mechanics

7. “I feel like…”
Sentences that begin like this make history teachers SHUDDER
No 1st or 2nd person in historical writing
I, me, my, mine, we, our, us, you, yours are OFF LIMITS!!!
No references to feelings or opinions in your essay
The paper has your name on the top of it. We already know it’s your opinion; there is no need to tell us…
Related to this is the dreaded sentence: “This this essay I will argue…”
Don’t do it! Just say no!

8. “So some very important things were changed/made in this time
“So some very important things were changed/made in this time. Just about everyone felt like things were better.”
Casual writing:
Don’t use a casual or conversational style (including / ) or asides to the reader.
Weak writing:
Non-specific claims that aren’t backed by evidence
What were the changes? How did they make things better?
Weak word choices:
Stuff, things, got, very, all, feel, think, big, small, just