Successfully Writing an Essay…
 Circle the theme of the essay (or write down topic if DBQ)
 Summarize the historical context (YOU CANNOT COPY IT
DIRECTLY) – this can be used to write your introduction
 Convert the task bullets into questions – TRY NOT TO USE “WHAT”,
ALWAYS USE “WHY OR HOW”
 BRAINSTORM for the topics you will use in your essay (only for
thematic – ALWAYS PICK FROM THE LIST!)
 Create a thesis – this is what you will prove in your essay
 Write your introduction
 If you are writing a thematic, skip to the next step. If you are
writing a DBQ read through the following
o Read each document and answer the question(s) that follow
o Next to each document

Indicate the bullet it will answer

Write OI (outside info)

Circle the document number if you think you want to use
it in your essay
 OUTLINE - Separate your thoughts into more than one paragraph.
Each paragraph should be 5-7 sentences. Create a paragraph for each
topic you will address
o For each paragraph…

Decide which task bullet question you are answering

Create a topic sentence based off the task bullet
question

Include details/historical examples that will help you
write the paragraph and address the task

Explain all details and historical examples

*In DBQ determine the docs and
OI you will use
 Conclusion  Re-state thesis and summarize what you wrote in the essay