How to Write Using T-E-A

How to Structure a Strong Paragraph Using TEA

What Is TEA?

TEA is a simple acronym to help structure clear and well-supported paragraphs in historical writing. Each paragraph should include:

🔹 T – Topic Sentence – The main idea or argument of the paragraph.
🔹 E – Evidence – Specific historical examples that support the topic sentence.
🔹 A – Analysis – Explanation of how the evidence supports the argument and connects to the thesis.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a TEA Paragraph

Step 1: Write a Strong Topic Sentence (T)

• Clearly state the main idea of the paragraph. This is the main idea you are trying to prove with the rest of the paragraph.

• This should connect to your thesis and answer part of the prompt.

• Avoid vague or overly general statements.

✅ Good Topic Sentence:
"One way the Mongols fostered trade was by creating a secure and organized trading network across Eurasia."

🚫 Weak Topic Sentence:
"The Mongols were important in history."
(❌ Too vague, doesn’t connect to trade.)

Step 2: Provide Specific Evidence (E)

• Include at least one piece of strong historical evidence (facts, events, examples, or primary source details).

• Be specific! Use names, dates, and relevant details.

• Choose evidence that directly supports your topic sentence.

✅ Good Evidence:
"The Mongols established the Pax Mongolica, a period of stability in the 13th and 14th centuries that allowed merchants to travel safely across the Silk Roads. The Mongols also introduced relay stations and passports to assist traders."

🚫 Weak Evidence:
"The Mongols helped trade by doing things to make it easier."
(❌ Too vague, lacks details.)

Step 3: Analyze and Explain the Significance (A)

• Explain how the evidence supports your argument.

• Connect the evidence back to the topic sentence and thesis.

• Ask yourself:

  • Why does this evidence matter?

  • How does it prove my argument?

  • What larger historical impact did this have?

✅ Good Analysis:
"By making trade routes safer and more efficient, the Mongols encouraged greater economic interaction between Europe and Asia. This led to an increase in cultural exchange, technological diffusion, and economic prosperity across Eurasia."

🚫 Weak Analysis:
"This shows that the Mongols helped trade."
(❌ Doesn’t explain why it was important or how it connects to the argument.)

Example TEA Paragraph

Prompt: Evaluate the extent to which the Mongols fostered trade and economic growth in Eurasia.

✅ Strong TEA Paragraph:
"One way the Mongols fostered trade was by creating a secure and organized trading network across Eurasia. The Mongols established the Pax Mongolica, a period of stability in the 13th and 14th centuries that allowed merchants to travel safely across the Silk Roads. The Mongols also introduced relay stations and passports to assist traders. By making trade routes safer and more efficient, the Mongols encouraged greater economic interaction between Europe and Asia. This led to an increase in cultural exchange, technological diffusion, and economic prosperity across Eurasia."

🚫 Weak TEA Paragraph:
"The Mongols helped trade. They made some things safer for merchants. This helped because they could trade more. This shows that the Mongols were important in history."
(❌ Lacks detail, analysis, and connection to the argument.)

Quick Tips for TEA Writing

✅ Start with a clear topic sentence that connects to your thesis.
✅ Use strong, specific historical evidence to support your argument.
✅ Analyze the evidence—explain why it matters and how it connects to the argument.