How to Write an Essay for History Class

This will help students focus on preparing an effective essay for their college history class.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Printer
• Library

1. Plan your essay.
   Understand what the focus of the essay needs to be.
   How many pages are required.
   How many sources are required.

2. Library Trip.
   Visit the library and select several sources on your topic.
   Begin writing a rough draft for your paper.

3. Develop your essay.
   Create a thesis idea. This will be the main point of your essay.
   Support your thesis idea with multiple paragraphs.
   Conclude the work with a final paragraph that relates to the thesis.

4. Look critically at your essay.
   Use spell/grammar check.
   Print your essay and read it to find any mistakes.
   Read it aloud and have a friend read it critically.
   Make any required corrections or adjustments.

5. Print your essay.
   Plan your time so that you can print your finished essay early.
   Place the essay so you can turn it in when required.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at the instructions or requirements for the essay. Write the essay as directed. For instance, if your essay instructs you to examine the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln then you should focus on Lincoln as President. Do not write a biography of Lincoln or stray away from his Presidency.
• Do not plagiarize. Be sure to do your own work. Look at sources then develop your own essay.
• Avoid using other people's work. Even when you give credit, it is not effective to make your essay the proper length by using a long quote from another source.
• Follow format instructions. The essay should not be longer or shorter than directed. Also, assemble the essay as required. Do not use elaborate folders that are not required. Be sure you understand if a cover page or works cited page is required.