How to Write a Historical Essay
If you do not write well, you must train yourself to become an articulate writer. Remember that writing is a
skill, not a gift!
Those who write well have a plan attack. You too can write well, if you take the time to organize and plan. The
following seven-step technique will help you accomplish your goal of learning to write well and to pass the
essay sections of the A.P. examination.
Step 1 Analyze the Question
Read the question carefully. Make sure you understand the question. Underline key words and phrases. Make a
decision on the direction you are going to take in answering the question.
Step 2 Collect and Sort Information
Jot down notes, key words, facts and phrases that relate to the topic of your essay. Sort and group notes and
words together under possible topics. Eliminate unrelated or tangentially facts and phrases. Make an outline of
the points you want to cover in your answer.
Step 3 Develop Your Thesis
Define and refine your personal opinion on the given topic. Are for or against the statement or question
presented? Do accept, reject, or qualify the proposed argument? You must take a stand, and define your thesis!
An essay without a thesis is not only boring but also bound to fail.
Step 4 Write the Introductory Paragraph
Your introductory paragraph is probably the most important paragraph in your essay. You need to answer these
two questions for the reader, "What is the question?" and "What is the author's opinion on the question?"
Your opening paragraph should resemble the following format:
Sentence #1
Open your essay with a general statement about the topic. Try to use one of
their key words or one of your own. Ex. Introduce the Topic, 3 G’s, Conquistador, etc
Sentence#2
Narrow your focus with a more specific statement. Give a specific statement about your Explorer or
Topic.
Sentence#3
This should be your thesis statement. In a very clear fashion, state your personal
opinion on the topic selected. Design this statement so that it leads into the
specifics of your introduction and essay. Ex. Christopher Columbus was the most influential explorer
in History.
Sentence #4
This sentence should set up the three topics, point, or opinions you are going to
use in proving you thesis. List the topics in the order in which you are going to
discuss them in the body of your essay. Remember to place you weakest topic
in the middle of #2 slot. You want your first and last body paragraphs to be
strong. Ex. He was the first explorer to reach America, he led to other Spanish explorations, and he
brought back knowledge of the New World’s resources to Spain.
Sentence #5
This is the concluding sentence of your introduction. State your opinion (if you
have not done so already) if that is what the question asks. Otherwise sum up
your introduction and state direction you will be taking in your essay. Many explorers led to the
colonization of the New World, but none as influential as Columbus and his accomplishments.
Step #5 Write the body of the essay
You should have at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph should address one of your topics in you
introduction. Go in order as you listed in your introduction. Use strong, sustained topic sentences. You are out
to impress the reader with your knowledge of history. Do not be repetitious. Stick to your outline. State your
points clearly. Support your arguments and/or generalizations with facts. Remember to add your own ideas and
factual material when they relate to the topics; no opinions here! Make sure your last sentence in each paragraph
gracefully leads into you next paragraph, provide a smooth transition between paragraphs.
Step #6 Write the Concluding Paragraph
In order, to successfully write you are concluding paragraphs re-read your introductory paragraph. Your
conclusion should bring the reader back to original question and to your thesis. Open your paragraph with a few
general statements about your topic. Your thesis should then be reintroduced, not repeated. Restate your three
topics and what they prove and support. End your paragraph with a strong conclusion; this is important. If
possible, you should end your conclusion with a strong conclusion with an indication of the applicability of
your thesis to other situations. Leave the reader with the impression that you proved something of general
significance. DO NOT SUMMARIZE EVERY POINT YOU HAVE MADE, AND DO NOT
INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL!
Step#7 Read over your essay
Read over your concluding paragraph and then your introductory paragraph. Make sure they are supportive of
each other and that they do not contradict each other. In other words, make sure they agree! Check for spelling,
punctuation errors and make sure you made a smooth transition between paragraphs.
Explorer:
Explorer:
Outline
Writing prompt: Which Spanish Explorer was the most influential of his time during the 16 th and 17th century? Make sure to back
up your opinion with reason you think why?
Collect information: (key words, data, facts, phrases that relate to topic) Use Chart on back to brainstorm ideas
Introduction:
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Sent #1
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Sent # 2
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Sent #3/Thesis
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Sent #4
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Sent #5
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Body 1-Reason one : (paragraph one ) Strong statement/Point
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Evidence #1
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Evidence #2
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Body 2-Reason two: (paragraph two) Weakest statement/Point
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Evidence #1
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Evidence #2
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Body 3-Reason three: (paragraph three) Strongest statement/Point
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Evidence #1
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Evidence #2
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Conclusion: General Statement (paragraph three)
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