Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Writing
The LEQ
Make sure you know what it is asking you to do Are you determining the effectiveness of something? - If yes, CLEARLY STATE if it was or was
not effective
Comparing and Contrasting? -Make sure to do both!
Analyzing? - Dont just list events, describe why they are important and how they relate to
other events
Introductions/Thesis Statements:
What is a thesis statement?
THE ITINERARY...INCLUDES YOUR FINAL DESTINATION!
1-2 sentences that states what your essay is about
Defendable position in response to the prompt
Introductory Paragraph:
THE ROAD MAP...
At least 4-5 sentences long
Expounds/supports a thesis statement
Supporting Evidence:
THE STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS - Body of the Essay...the historical BREADCRUMBS to support
your position.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates to part of your thesis/introductory
paragraph.
Remember bring in scale/geographical reach,
Conclude the essay by extending or (if need be) modifying the thesis statement.
Tips:
Define historical terms!
Be careful of overgeneralizing
Dont use all, never, always etc.
Background Sentences: (setting the stage for the rest of the essay)
When the French and Indian War concluded, drastically changing the makeup of North
America. Great Britain extended its control of the continent, and their enemy, the French,
were removed. However, the victory didnt eliminate problems for the English, but instead led
to new challenges.
Background Sentences:
The early to mid-19th century saw the United States expand its borders at an unprecedented
rate. Beginning with the Louisiana Purchase, the US expanded from the Mississippi River to
the Pacific Ocean at the conclusion of the MexicanAmerican War.
Background Sentences:
In the newly formed government under the Constitution, Thomas Jefferson strictly interpreted
the constitution. He advocated that the government could only do what the Constitution
explicitly stated. When Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of the Bank of the United
States, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was an outspoken critic, claiming the creation of
the Bank was beyond the powers of the federal government.