Cracking the Global Regents Thematic
Essay
• Here is a Thematic Essay based on what we
have been studying in class: the Protestant
Reformation, specifically, the impact of Martin
Luther.
• Here is a simple way to “crack” the Regents
Essay Format.
• The Thematic Essay is not going to change;
this format will help you to think your way
through any thematic essay.
The Reformation: Thematic Essay
Thematic Essay:
• Theme: Throughout History, the actions of
leaders have changed the society in which
they lived.
• Task: Identify two leaders who changed the
society in which they lived, and for each:
– Describe one situation the leader attempted to change.
– Describe one action the leaders took to change the
situation.
– Discuss the impact of that action on the society in which
the leader lived.
The Essay is in two “pieces”:
Theme/Task
• A idea applying to
many Global Units
• Gives you a major
idea to focus on...
“Theme”
“Task”
• This is your “map”
for the Essay
• Usually gives you
two or three things
to do.
• Intro: Reflects both
Theme and Task
• Body Paragraphs =
Following “Task”
carefully...
“Cracking the
Essay”
What two “pieces” comprise this
Thematic?
Leaders
who Have
Changed
Society
“Change
Essay”
Luther is
the leader
you
choose!
Trigger Words:
• What are these triggers asking you to do?
• Identify =
• Describe =
• Discuss =
“Trigger Words” on this Essay
Details/Facts/Examples
Describe:
Situation/Action(s)
Taken
Details/Facts/Examples
Identify: Leader
Discuss: Impact on
Society
Your Analysis
“Trigger Words” Applied to This
Question
Describe:
Situation/Action(s)
Taken
Luther
Discuss: Impact on
Society
How to Construct Your “Three Step”
Intro:
Big Picture =
“Theme”
Narrow Focus =
Global “Example”
Direction =
Task Statement
“Luther” Essay: Your Thoughts?
Simple Reminders:
• Theme = Global Issue that we see in many eras in
our course.
• Task = At least two choices/examples you will
have to make.
• For each of these choices...you will normally have
to perform a few “tasks”
• Follow the task specifically, (Trigger Words) and
your body paragraphs will be easily determined.
• Once you organize your essay, work backwards,
and then compose your introduction.
Organizing Your Essay:
• Ok...how do go about organizing the Essay?
• Always consider your task...
• It will lead you to at least two or three
“things” you have to do.
• These things will lead you to how many body
paragraphs you should have.
• Let’s look back at the question:
Task to Paragraph Equation: (1 to 1)
–Describe one situation the leader
attempted to change. (¶)
–Describe one action the leaders took
to change the situation. (¶)
–Discuss the impact of that action on
the society in which the leader lived.
(¶)
–Three body paragraphs!!!
Body Paragraph 1:
¶ #1 Describe
the Situation =
Talk about the
Abuses of the
Catholic Church
Be sure to use
specific terms
and examples...
Body Paragraph #2
¶ #2 Describe
the Action
taken =
Luther/95
Theses
Include the
Catholic
Response
Body Paragraph #3
¶ #3 Discuss the
impact on
Society
Catholic
CounterReformation
Growth of other
Protestant
Religions