History Analytical essay

Writing A History Essay
 (adapted from Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History)

A history essay had three major parts: an argument, support for this argument, and a conclusion. The argument is included in the essay’s introduction. The support is provided through examples (quotes and summarized information from your sources) and analysis organized into body paragraphs. The essay includes a conclusion. All of this should be carefully proofread before submission. This handout serves to provide you with an overview of the components a history essay, as you will be required to write in this course.

Introduction The introductory paragraph needs to serve three important purposes: 1. Tell your readers what the essay is about and provide general information on the topic. 2. Put the topic of the essay in context. 3. State your thesis (see Thesis Handout for more detailed information on writing a thesis

statement).


Body Paragraphs The rest of your essay serves to support this argument. The most effective way to do this is with paragraphs that each focus on one sub-topic of the thesis (argument). Body paragraphs should be organized in the following manner. • Begin with a topic sentence

• A topic sentence introduces the sub-topic and how it advances the essay’s argument. • Provide support for the paragraph’s main point (serves to advance your thesis)

• The body paragraph needs to provide evidence (examples, quotes, summarized information, etc. with proper citation) that is connected to the essay’s thesis. This is followed by analysis that explains the evidence and how you see it supporting your argument.

• It is appropriate, if applicable, to respond to anticipate alternate interpretations of your evidence - counterarguments.

• Make connection between ideas • Your paragraph needs to be clear and well organized. Each sentence must follow one

another in a logical fashion. Use transitional words and phrases to connect individual sentences together (examples: also, similarly or on the other hand, although, despite).

Conclusion The essay needs a concluding paragraph; it should not just stop. The conclusion had two important roles: 1. Bring the paper full circle by remind the reader of the thesis and restating the most

important points that supported it (for example, the topics of your paragraphs). 2. It answers the question: “why is this important?” - you want to explain to your reader

why this topic matters.