Name: ______________________
Historical Essay Writing Workshop
Today you will learn to plan and write a multi-paragraph historical essay, a skill you will use in the future. All the information
will be provided; you will only need to put the information in cogent, coherent sentences. Begin by reading the tips below:
Tip 1:
Write in 3rd person
Don’t use 1st person (I, me, myself) or 2nd
person (you, your). 3rd person = he, him,
she, her, it, etc.
Tip 2:
Write in the past tense ONLY
Since history took place in the past, always
use past tense in historical essays. Verb
examples- were, was, went, came, sent,
existed, etc.
Tip 3:
Write facts, not fluff
Historical writing is about taking
information and logically presenting
examples to support arguments. It’s not
about how pretty it sounds.
Essay Question: Was Charlemagne a dynamic and powerful ruler?
Clearly, the answer is yes. But saying yes isn’t enough; you must discuss reasons why Charlemagne was dynamic/powerful.
FORMAT: Introduction, Body, Conclusion paragraphs. Each paragraph should be multiple sentences.
Body Paragraphs: Body paragraphs should include information that supports your argument (in this case, information showing
that Charlemagne was a dynamic and powerful ruler). Use the table at the bottom of page 289 for your body paragraph ex.
Body Paragraph Format
Sentence 1 – Topic Sentence. The topic sentence should state one reason
why Charlemagne was a dynamic and powerful ruler. (See example)
 After the topic sentence, begin listing specific examples to support
your reason (see example).
 Example 2 – show why the example is important (see below)
 Ex 3 – (he established schools, which improved education for people)
 Etc., can be multiple examples.
Closing sentence should state your reason and how it shows Charlemagne was
a dynamic and powerful ruler.
Body Paragraph Example
Charlemagne’s personal character
(Charles the Man) demonstrated his abilities as a
dynamic and powerful ruler. He was athletic,
charismatic, and well-spoken, which made him
admired by the people. Charlemagne was
educated, and he understood Greek and spoke
Latin. He also left the Carolingian Empire to his
sole surviving son in order to ensure peace in
the empire after his death. Charlemagne was
dynamic and powerful as both a man and ruler.
All body paragraphs should follow the above format. Your essay should show why Charlemagne’s abilities as a man,
administrator, conqueror, and patron of learning made him a strong and dynamic ruler.
Introduction and Conclusion paragraphs – They essentially serve the same purpose. In the introduction, say what you’re going
to say. In the conclusion, say what you’ve said.
Introduction – Make a topic sentence that answers the question. Then, include the reasons (just the reasons or headings) and
briefly explain them. Say what you’re going to say in the rest of the paper.
Conclusion – Again, start with a topic sentence. “Therefore, Charlemagne was both a dynamic and powerful ruler during his
reign.” Then list the reasons (just the headings – administrator, conqueror, etc.) you gave in your body paragraphs. Close with
a strong sentence that sums up your argument.
Name: ______________________
Introduction Paragraph

Topic Sentence
o Reasons 1-4 (can be combined in multiple sentences)
o Doesn’t need to be extraordinarily long for an essay like this.
Body Paragraphs – 4


Topic Sentence – Should include why the reason/heading made him a dynamic and powerful ruler.
o Example 1 with why it is important
o Example 2 with why it is important
o Example 3 with why it is important
Closing sentence
Closing Paragraph

Topic Sentence
o Restate reasons 1-4
o Closing Sentence that sums up argument.
Body Paragraph # _______
Topic Sentence: _________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Example 1: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Example 2: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Example 3: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Closing sentence: _______________________________________________________________________________________
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