How to Write a Social Studies Essay

Mrs.Page

Rule #1 FORGET EVERYTHING YOU LEARNED IN JUNIOR HIGH

Rule #2 PROOFREAD EVERYTHING YOU WRITE!!

Rule #3

NEVER USE: I, my, I am, you, or any form of “This essay is going to be about…”

Rule #4

ALWAYS WRITE AS NEATLY AS POSSIBLE AND BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE

Rule #5

NEVER EVER PLAGERIZE BY USING THE “THEME”OR THE “HISTORICAL CONTEXT”!!!!!!

Rule #6

ALWAYS CITE YOUR DOCUMENTS IN YOUR DBQs

Rule #7

NEVER MAKE UP INFORMATION OR TRY TO “BS” TO MAKE YOUR ESSAY LONGER

Rule #8

ALWAYS USE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE INFO AND GIVE DETAILED NAMES,DATES, AND PLACES WHERE YOU CAN

THEMATIC ESSAYS A

Thematic Essay

is similar to many other types of essays required in school. However, it also has specific requirements. First of all, it is called

Thematic

because it identifies a theme from Social Studies (for example also presents some kind of general statement about that theme (for example contributions and achievements of ancient civilizations have helped to influence and change the world.’) Then it requires you to complete a

specific

‘Change’). It ‘The task in your essay response.

DBQ essays

DBQ Essays

are composed of two sections. In the

first

part, documents are provided for you to read, analyze, and then answer questions about each one. ALWAYS USE COMPLETE SENTENCES WHEN ANSWERING SCAFFOLDING QUESTIONS! In the

second

part, you are provided with a specific task which must be addressed in an essay response. The essay MUST use evidence from the documents to complete the task.

Whether you are writing a Thematic or a DBQ essay in Social Studies, you will always follow the same essay format. Your essay will always include: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction Paragraph • • •

MUST include at least THREE sentences MOTIVATOR

interesting way that is relevant to the topic you will discuss. (This is also known as you topic sentence.) – Gets reader’s attention in an

THESIS

– Clearly states the main idea you will support/prove. In this essay, it will be your controlling idea. (What is the purpose of writing this essay?)

BLUEPRINT

– Specifies HOW you will support your thesis: you will identify the examples you are going to use in your essay

Body Paragraphs • • • Each begins with a topic sentence • Links ideas together smoothly with transitional words and phrases.

• Each ends with a concluding sentence that sums up your evidence and re-states its effect.

DBQ Essays

examples of : Use specific facts from

one more than half

of the documents in part one to answer the task throughout body paragraphs as well as including specific

outside information

.

Thematic Essays

task using historically accurate information that is relevant to the task and theme throughout body paragraphs : Fully answers ALL aspects of the

conclusion • Re-states your thesis • Makes a conclusion based upon the evidence presented – a FINAL comment or evaluative statement • Should be 3-5 sentences long