The document provides guidance for writing a history essay for grades 9-12. It recommends including an introduction with a clear thesis statement, 3-7 body paragraphs each with a topic sentence supporting the thesis, and a conclusion restating the thesis. The thesis is the answer to the essay question and must be supported with specific facts and evidence. Topic sentences introduce the major points in defense of the thesis. Paragraphs should be logically structured with evidence supporting the topic sentence and thesis. Students should create an outline and check that their essay answers the question.

1. How to write a
history essay
A basic guide
for grades 9-12

2. General format
O Introduction: contains thesis (=your
answer to the question), relatively short
O Body paragraphs: 3-7; each should start
with a topic sentence followed by
sufficient number of facts/evidence to
support it
O Conclusion: briefly restating thesis and
the points made; no new information
presented

3. What is a thesis?
O Your answer to the question
O Your evaluation of the topic in question
Example: How important do you think technology is in our
lives?
 It is up to you how you answer: technology is very
important, not so much, we can live without it, etc.
 Your opinion MUST be supported with specific facts,
evidence. This is the crucial part of your essay:
how the facts and evidence you use back up the
claim you make!

4. What is a topic sentence?
O A major point in defense of your thesis or
a supplement to it
O Each major point is presented in a new
paragraph
 Let’s still use the technology example: Let’s say, your
thesis states that technology is very important in our
lives because it makes daily life easier, it makes
important contributions to science, and it provides
entertainment.
 Your topic sentence for the paragraphs will be the three
statements highlighted in red above.

5. Structuring the paragraphs:
O Start with a clear topic sentence that
supports your thesis.
O All evidence and facts, events, and other
details you use MUST support the topic
sentence and your original thesis
statement.
O Arrange the evidence in some logical
order (with a historical essay, the order
often is chronological, but it does not have
to be).

6. Planning the essay:
O Create a brainstorming web where
nothing is off limits! Start thinking and see
where it takes you!
O Then organize your thoughts; add more,
discard some, add details, etc.
O Create an outline following the essay
format: introduction, required number of
paragraphs, conclusion

7. Tips to follow:
O Focus on what the question is asking: underline
important words to make sure you understand the
question
O Be structured; have an outline or a mind map.
O Have a clear thesis that answers the question. It
can be just ONE sentence if it is a well-written one.
O Keep checking that all evidence and examples you
use SUPPORT your argument!
O Keep the question in mind AT ALL TIMES and ask
yourself: “Am I answering the question?
Supporting my thesis?”

8. Things to avoid:
O Just reciting historical events and not making a
point
O First person statements
O General statements