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How to write an Essay for Social Studies

How to write an Essay for Social Studies. Mrs. DeTurk. I. Yes, there must be Prewriting. A. Answer the Question/Prompt: Ask yourself, "what does the question want?"

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How to write an Essay for Social Studies

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  1. How to write an Essay for Social Studies Mrs. DeTurk

  2. I. Yes, there must be Prewriting A. Answer the Question/Prompt: Ask yourself, "what does the question want?" 1. Think through the material that should be included in the essay to formulate a complete answer to all aspects of the question and to all implications of the question.*You must answer the question the way it is written--not the way you wish it had been written.

  3. B. DON’T Jump into Writing Make an outline or graphic organizer--or at least a list of the ideas you will cover in your answer, and then number them in the order you will use them. This procedure will ensure that you are organized for a smooth and logical answer. http://www.region15.org/curriculum/pwp.pdf

  4. C. Create a Thesis Statement 1. Sum up in a single sentence the main idea of your paper/essay Prompt – In what ways was FDR’s presidency unique? Thesis Statement – FDR exercised brilliant leadership in dealing with domestic and international crises that faced the United States in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

  5. D. Do not tell a story or preach a sermon 1. Decide on specific points that need to be proven and then handle those points in the paper.

  6. II. Introduction A. The introduction not only tells the reader what question you are answering, but it also provides a road map as to where the paper is going. Therefore, the reader knows in one paragraph:     1) what the question was,     2) what position the writer is taking on the question (whether you are for it or against it, etc.),     3) what information/points the writer will use to prove the stated position.

  7. Prompt – In what ways was FDR’s presidency unique? Sample Introduction - Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected to the office of president of the United States more than any other president in history. This is quite a feat considering the monumental difficulties, such as the Great Depression and World War II, that he experienced during each of his four terms. In the face of the horrors of war and financial collapse, FDR was able to strengthen the nation financially and overcome adversity abroad. FDR exercised brilliant leadership in dealing with the domestic and international crises that faced the United States in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

  8. III. Body of the Essay/Paper • Take the points that you said you would prove and begin to prove them one by one--in at least one paragraph each. Use transitions between ideas--have a little introduction sentence (transition) in each paragraph so the reader knows what point you are on. • Prove your points with facts: names, dates, specific details, quotes. Remember the 5 journalistic questions: who, what, when, where, why. You must prove every point you make. C. Document the sources of all of your information

  9. IV. Conclusion A. Never end an essay without a conclusion. Don’t leave your reader hanging; let him/her wade out. B. The conclusion is merely a wrap-up of what you proved. Summarize and restate your main points.

  10. Example:After examining FDR’s presidency, there are several factors that explain why his presidency was unique. FDR was responsible for creating domestic policies that brought the country through the Great Depression. As Commander in Chief, FDR lead the country into battle with Nazi Germany and the Japanese Empire. FDR was a visionary who saw the need for countries to work together towards world peace in the organization known today as the United Nations.   So, it is clear to see why FDR was elected to office for four terms – his character and intellect were hard to beat. *A dynamite quote or a juicy tidbit of information sometimes makes for a powerful ending.

  11. Important hints: • Use complete sentences and good paragraph style. • Proofread your essay. Never hand a paper in early without proofreading. • Never use slang. • Double space type in a 12-point font. • Use a vocabulary that makes you sound intelligent, but do not use big words that are flowery and do not express your ideas precisely. • Never use first person. • Never refer to an individual by first name only; use both names or the last name. • Do not skip lines within a paragraph or between paragraphs. • Do not ask rhetorical questions.

  12. Revision Checklist • Have I stated my thesis clearly at the beginning? • Does every idea flow logically from the one that precedes it? • Have I included enough specifics to support each generalization that I make? • Where might I add more facts, data or stats?

  13. Revision Checklist • Have I used transitions to improve clarity? • Have I explained myself clearly, taking into account other viewpoints that may also be valid? • Does the conclusion summarize main ideas and give a sense of completion to the reader? • Does every summary, paraphrase and quotation have a corresponding source documented?

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