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Aim: What are the characteristics of a good Social Studies essay?

Aim: What are the characteristics of a good Social Studies essay? . October 10, 2013. Sample Essay Question: How did the Nile River influence the development of Ancient Egypt?. Introduction Background Information Thesis Statement Body Paragraphs (2-3)

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Aim: What are the characteristics of a good Social Studies essay?

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  1. Aim: What are the characteristics of a good Social Studies essay? October 10, 2013

  2. Sample Essay Question: How did the Nile River influence the development of Ancient Egypt? • Introduction • Background Information • Thesis Statement • Body Paragraphs (2-3) • Provide details that support the thesis statement • Conclusion • Restates your thesis statement and summarizes your argument.

  3. I. Introduction • Background Information: Sets the stage for what your essay is going to be about. • Example: “Egypt was one of the most powerful and impressive civilizations in the ancient Middle East. The people of Egypt developed incredible architecture, made scientific discoveries and expanded militarily. One reason Egypt was so successful was because of its geography……

  4. I. Introduction • Thesis Statement (last sentence of the introduction): A statement that answers the essay question and makes it clear what your argument is going to be. The more specific your thesis statement is, the better. • Let’s pretend you have to write an essay on the kinds of dogs that can be found in North America. • Weak Thesis: There are many kinds of dogs in North America • Strong Thesis: North American dogs can be divided into many varieties, the most important being terriers, hounds and spaniels. Why is this thesis better?

  5. I. Introduction • Back to our sample essay question: How did the Nile River influence the development of Ancient Egypt? Write a thesis statement for this question.

  6. II. Body Paragraph #1 • What will this paragraph be about?

  7. III. Body Paragraph #2 • What will this paragraph be about?

  8. IV. Body Paragraph #3 • What will this paragraph be about?

  9. V. Conclusion • Restate your thesis statement in different words than you used in the introduction. • Sum up your argument • Why does this subject still matter today? • “The Ancient Egyptians proved that people could master their geography in order to improve their lives.” • “The Ancient Egyptians demonstrate that geographic luck is very important to the success of a civilization.

  10. General Tips • Don’t use “I” or “you” in a Social Studies essay. EVER! • Don’t write: “I think the Nile River played an important role in the development of Egypt” • Don’t write: “As you can see, the Nile River was very important in the history of Egypt. • Don’t ask rhetorical questions in your essay (“But why is the Nile River so important to life in Egypt?”) • DO take your time on the essay and don’t rush to be the first one finished. Take a few minutes to brainstorm on the test paper before you start writing. • Spelling doesn’t count on the essay, but be careful of grammar! The better your grammar is, the clearer your argument will be.

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