Choose from either a question, statistic, quotation, or anecdotal hook 

Make sure you DO NOT use first or second person here (you, we, I, us, our, etc.)

Include WHEN & WHERE the event(s) took place

Describe some of the key events that occured during this time 

In ONE SENTENCE, state your CLAIM, LINKING PHRASE, & 3 SUB-THESES

Include a transition phrase (first, next, last), your CLAIM, LINKING PHRASE, and sub-thesis (1,2, & 3 depending on the paragraph)

Copy & paste evidence from the documents

Be sure to cite your evidence either by saying "According to Doc #" or (Doc. #) at the end of your sentence before the period.

Put the evidence in your own words

Start with a phrase like "This means" or "This evidence is showing"

Explain how your evidence proves your CLAIM 

• In this case, the CLAIM is that the Middle Ages in Europe were a time of decay and decline

Start with your Linking Phrase, then your Sub-Theses, and end with your Claim

For each Sub-Claim (one by one), explain briefly how society may have been different if those events or changes didn't occur

In one to two sentences, briefly explain how the world or a certain place would be different TODAY without the events you described in your essay