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Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes. writing immediately after reading question, without proper planning usually results in a string of disconnected thoughts failing to identify EXACTLY what the question is asking failing to address ALL parts of a question failing to clearly state thesis

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Common Mistakes

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  1. Common Mistakes • writingimmediately after reading question, without proper planning • usually results in a string of disconnected thoughts • failing to identify EXACTLY what the question is asking • failing to address ALL parts of a question • failing to clearly state thesis • failing to use evidence and analytical thought in support of thesis • results in “rambling narrative” instead of structured argument • failing to create and maintain a clear outline (structure) • failing to connect evidence/thoughts DIRECTLY to the question/topic

  2. Strategies for Success • attack questions methodically and systematically  have a PLAN!!! • 1  identify EXACT time period(s) addressed in the question • 2 analyze the question—what is being asked? • 3  identify ALL the elements that must be addressed • essay should reflect the subtleties of the question • organized brainstorm of possible supporting evidence • make a list for EACH part of the question • review and decide what best fits thesis argument • clearly state intent when using evidence • present your thesis CLEARLYwith a clean/neat structure • should BOLDLY and accurately answer the question • thesis/intro should CLEARLY outline the rest of the essay

  3. No Structure = No Scholar • INTRODUCTION(1st paragraph) • briefly provide historical context DIRECTLY related to the question • CLEARLY define the boundaries of the EXACT time period in the question • use INTRO to frame argument  should be a CLEAR segue to thesis • THESIS(1st paragraph) • should be a decisive statement that DIRECTLY answers ALL parts of question • assertive declaration of your decision to make a specificARGUMENT • OUTLINE the individual PARTS of your argument in order they’ll be addressed • PART 1 • clearly ANNOUNCE that you are NOW discussing THIS PART of question • use historical EVIDENCE to support your answer to THIS PART the question • PART 2 (clearly ANNOUNCE transition) • PART 3 (clearly ANNOUNCE transition) • CONCLUSION (last paragraph) • confidently restate THESIS  should answer ALL PARTS of the question

  4. Creative Tip from aCrazy Teacher • imagine using a handful of different highlighters to structure essay • associate a different color with each structural element • INTRO/Context • THESIS • PART 1 • PART 2 • PART 3 • CONCLUSION • You should be able to EASILY identify each element in your essay! • after highlighting each element, the color pattern of your ENTIRE essay should appear just as SMOOTH and CLEAR as in the above list

  5. Highlighting the Question • before writing, visualize same highlighters when reading question • use the same color for INTRO/Context to identify the EXACT time period(s) • use the PART colors to identify ALL the elements that MUST be addressed • but, use a new color to identify exactly WHAT it asks you to do • EXAMPLE: “Compare and Contrast U.S. foreign policyafter WW1and after WWII. Consider the periods 1919-1928 and 1945-1950.”

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