GUIDE TO HISTORICAL WRITING - CP US I & II A) How to write an introduction: 1) Provide some background information This should be a brief, specific description of the topic. Always assume that the reader does not know the subject matter. 2) Locate your topic in time Since history is more than just dates, this can be done in a number of ways: a) within a decade (by the 1840’s . . . ) b) within a century (by the end of the 19th century . . . ) c) note a simultaneous event or trend (During Washington’s presidency . . . ) 3) State your thesis (what you will prove) Remember, a thesis statement always takes a definite stand on a topic and includes an explanation (an answer to “why” or “because”) . 4) List the points you will use to prove your thesis - these are your avenues of approach. B) How to write body paragraphs: 1) Write a clear topic sentence Your first sentence states what the paragraph is about. 2) Give examples or explanations Prove your topic sentence by providing examples or explanations. Use a minimum of three specific facts in each paragraph. 3) If you use quotes Select quotations carefully to illustrate or explain an idea. Use quotes sparingly! Limit the use of quotes to the exact text of a document, a line from a novel or words spoken by a famous person. 4) Provide commentary A fact or quotation has little meaning by itself. Be sure to provide explanation or context for the facts or quotes you have selected. Provide a sentence or two of explanation that indicates how this information supports your thesis. 5) End each paragraph with a transition Transition statements give your essay unity. Remember, you are laying a path of ideas, not hopping from rock to rock. P.S. A complete paragraph is always five to ten sentences. C) How to write a conclusion 1) Restate the thesis using different words! 2) Restate the main idea of each body paragraph without repeating every piece of specific evidence used in those body paragraphs.
Some additional hints for successful essays: 1) Do not use informal expressions. An essay is academic writing. Use appropriate vocabulary, but be sure you know the meaning of and understand any vocabulary you use in your essay. 2) Do not begin your essay with a question. 2) Do not use contractions (write “do not” instead of “don’t”) 3) Do not begin body paragraphs with “first”, “second”, etc. 4) Do not begin a conclusion with the words, “In conclusion.” 5) Do not conclude by writing your own personal opinion unless you have been instructed to do so. Do not use the words, “I think!” 6) Any writing assignment requiring research MUST cite the sources used. Refer to MLA.com for instructions on how to assemble a Works Cited page and how to cite parenthetically in the text. Avoid plagerism! Cite the source of any information that is not common knowledge. 7) When preparing your final paper, use Times New Roman font, size 12. Do not use decorative fonts. 8) Following MLA format, you do not need a cover sheet for an essay or term paper. Your title page should be set up as follows (see MLA guide p 29 for a sample title page): All pages should begin with your last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner, 1/2 inch from the top of the page. In the left-hand corner, double space the following information beginning 1 inch from the top of the paper: Name Class name of teacher date Still unclear? Still have some questions? Consult the Writing Center OR visit the Purdue University on-line writing lab, OWL, at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/