How to Write Social Studies Essays

I. Read the question carefully. You will never be expected to write a book on the subject or to simply "download information." You will need to demonstrate your ability to see patterns in history and human behavior.

II. Select an appropriate graphic organizer, based on the nature of the analytical aspect of the question. The analytical possibilities are somewhat predictable. Here are some options and the graphic organizer to help you:

"T" charts:

• Pro/Con
• Benefits/Drawbacks
• Success/Failure
• Cause/Effect
• Attitudes/Actions
• Beliefs/Responses

Venn diagram or three-column chart:

• Compare/Contrast
• COT or CCOT (Change over time or Continuity and Change Over Time)

III. Add the "brilliant stroke": While the organizer is a critical start to your organizing and analysis, you need to sub-categorize further. One way to consider subcategories is the "PERSIA + GT" model. These categories can help you sort the information into areas that can be described more effectively. Therefore you would divide the chart/Venn diagram/timeline into categories by drawing lines through the organizer:

• Political
• Economic
• Religious
• Social
• Intellectual
• Artistic
• Geographic
• Technological

Note: These categories do not always apply. For example, if the question asks you to describe responses to the plague, you could categorize the responses as: Fear, Isolation, Greed, Scapegoating, etc.

If the question asks for reasons for the rising popularity of sports in Europe during the early 20thc., you could include Health, Nationalism, and Preparation for the military.

IV. BRAINSTORM ideas onto the graphic organizer.

V. Based on the evidence you have gathered and organized, create an appropriate thesis. A strong thesis statement should answer the prompt, make a claim that others might dispute, and provide a “road map” for your argument (i.e., suggest the organizing structure for your body paragraphs). Within the introductory paragraph, you should discuss the context of your argument to lead up to your thesis.

VI. Your topic sentences should directly support your thesis, state the controlling idea of the body paragraph, and prepare the reader for the evidence you will provide. A topic sentence is not a FACT; it is your interpretation of the evidence and how it relates to your argument.

VII. Include powerful evidence, at least three pieces for each body paragraph. Some possibilities:

• Startling statistics
• Relevant facts
• Appropriate anecdote/illustrative story
• Relevant quotations/expert opinions