Read the Question

1. Read the Question • When given the test, carefully read the question. Figure out exactly what it is asking first. • Underline key parts of the question such as time period • Answer the question given, not the question you wish had been given!!! • Answer the question in your thesis, but not by restating it in sentence form!

2. Brainstorm Outside Information • Make a list of all the historical facts related to the topic that you know. • Look for a logical way to organize the information into your answer. • You do not have to use all of the information…only the parts that fit with your argument.

3. Make an Outline • After writing your thesis, map out your essay. • 1. Thesis with 3 main points • 2. Argument 1 • Proof, proof, proof, more proof • Plug the outside information that you brainstormed into your outline. Only use the information that fits with the point you are arguing in your thesis. Don’t use filler!

4. The Format: • Introductory Paragraph • Background Information – 1-3 sentences • Main Point 1 – Summarize in a sentence • Main Point 2 – Summarize in a sentence • Main Point 3 – Summarize in a sentence • Thesis Statement • Supporting Paragraph 1 • State Main Point • Support your point • Link to Thesis and transition • Supporting Paragraph 2 • State Main Point • Support your point • Link to Thesis and transition • Supporting Paragraph 3 • State Main Point • Support your point • Link to Thesis and transition • Conclusion – summarize your argument

5. Have a good Introduction! • Graders will spend about 3 minutes on an essay…if your intro is bad you have already lost half the battle! Impress them early. • 3 sentences will not cut it!!! • The intro is a great place for background information--At this point it is okay to go out of the time period of the question a bit. • Thesis should be the last sentence of your essay and should NOT be underlined!

6. Analyze instead of Describe • Good: • The gospel of wealth popularized by Andrew Carnegie in “Wealth” made the accumulation of wealth not only respectable, but also a moral duty. • Bad: • Andrew Carnegie wrote “Wealth” and Russell Conwell wrote Acres of Diamonds. These books said that giving to the less fortunate was the duty of all wealthy citizens.

7. Stick to the Point • The topic sentence for each body paragraph should relate back to your thesis and everything in each body paragraph should relate to the topic sentence. • Use transitions to get from one paragraph or idea to another. No transitions, no good. • Example: • In addition to ignoring Germany’s occupation of the Rhineland and annexation of Austria, Great Britain and France appeased him at Munich in 1938.