I recommend that all of you read this before writing your first essay for this class. Ths information is helpful from now until you finish college.

1) A Research Question--what is it you want to know?

2) A Thesis Statement--This should answer your research question; it is what you want to prove by the end of your essay

3) Introduction--Sets the scene for your discussion, creates a historical context, outlines the main issues in a general fashion. Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph

4) Create a Historical Context--What is the necessary historical background for the subject?

5) Analysis--Address your issues set forth in your research question and thesis. This is the hard part of the essay! Balance between description and analysis.

6) Recognize different historical interpretations: Discuss the views of several historians on your subject (2-3 historians is good)

7) Proper Source and Information Citations--Give the source for any quotes, statistics, opinions, etc. Make sure you cite!! A good rule of thumb is one citation per paragraph, but don't cite an entire paragraph.

8) Conclusion--It is not a summary of everything you already said. It should tie it all together and answer your thesis statement.

9) Bibliography or Works Cited Page--A list in alphabetical order of the books, articles, etc that you have cited in your essay.

CitationMachine.net works really well!