TO BEGIN…
What are the traits of a strong essay. Consider
style, substance, organization, support, etc.
What do you struggle with the most when writing
an analytical essay?
Remember… Quiz 4/5/6 Next Class
IN WHAT WAYS DID IDEAS AND VALUES HELD BY PURITANS INFLUENCE
THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW
ENGLAND COLONIES FROM 1630 THROUGH THE 1660S?
 What is the question asking us to do?
POLITICAL
 Now… let’s write a thesis
 Position:
 Categories:
 So What:
ECONOMIC
SOCIAL
 The Puritan influence could be seen throughout New
England society. The government structures, work ethic,
and close-knit communities all reflected the desire of the
Puritan church to create a “city upon a hill” and ultimately
contributed to the stability and success of the region.
ELEMENTS OF A STRONG ESSAY
 Clear Thesis that is argued throughout the essay.
 All paragraphs relate back to and clearly support the
thesis.
 Substantial, specific evidence is provided.
 Provides analysis (why and how), not just description
(what).
 Smooth transitions and effective organization.
 The closing paragraph reaffirms the thesis (no new info)
ADD CATHEDRAL METHOD
WRITING AN FRQ
Organization
(refer to suggested outline handout)
 Introductory Paragraph with a
clear thesis
Scoring
(refer to generic rubric handout)
Thesis
 Category 1
 Relatively broad topic sentence
 Development of the category with
substantial factual evidence and
analysis
 Make clear how this category helps
prove your thesis
 Repeat with Remaining
Categories
 Concluding Paragraph which
reaffirms your thesis
(particularly the “so what”) and
does NOT include new info
Evidence
 substantial, varied,
vocabulary
Analysis
 can‘t simply describe,
must argue
Structure
LET’S WRITE AN ESSAY
 Working in pairs, complete pre-write activities for the following
question:
“Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of
the British Colonies in North America.” Assess the validity of this
statement for the 1600s.
Make sure you understand what the question is asking.
2. Brainstorm factual information that might apply to the essay -- do you
see trends or groupings within your brainstorm?
3. Write a thesis – make sure it has a position, categories, and “so what”
1.
4.
Outline the essay – include topic sentences for each paragraph (to
ensure they link back to the thesis) and a list of specific factual
information you’ll include in the paragraph
 Once finished, go your separate ways and write a full essay. Draw
from your outline and keep in mind the keys to a strong essay.
SELF/PEER REVIEW
“Geography was the primary factor in shaping the development of
the British Colonies in North America.” Assess the validity of this
statement for the 1600s.
 When you finish, assess your work in the following areas:
 Thesis: Does it address the entire question? Clearly state a position? Provide categories?
 Evidence: Does it provide substantial, specific, relevant evidence for each category?
 Analysis: Is it making an argument or just describing life in the colonies? Does it address “so
what”?
 Structure; Are paragraphs effectively ordered? Are there transitions? Are their glaring errors?
 Finally… pull out your copy of the generic essay rubric. Determine
what score you’d give your essay and defend your assessment.
 If time, trade your essay with a peer, complete the steps above, and
discuss their results in comparison to the self-assessment results.