Chapter 3 - Cracking the Essay Questions

• state your claim clearly.
• define terms, contest, and chronology of the events under discussion.
• Describe why your claim is true
• You must explain how and why something happens and what are the impacts of that something were.
• Ask yourself: Do you have a comprehensive, analytical, explicit thesis?
• Is your thesis acceptable?

DBQ Thesis

• with something like "After reviewing these documents, it is clear that..."
• Rephrase the question as an answer; include all key phrases.
• Address each part of the question with a statement.
• Make the transition to the body of the essay by citing the additional document.

Change over time Thesis

• Rephrase the question as an answer.
• Address each part of the question with a statement and evidence.
• Make the transition to the body of the essay.

Comparative Thesis

• Restate the question as an answer.
• Address each part of the question with a statement and evidence.
• Include both similarities and differences.
• Make the transition to the body of the essay.
• Essays should be a *minimum* of 4 to 6 paragraphs.
• Use transitional words and trigger words to highlight important points.

• write neatly.
• Use another word if you don't know how to spell it.
• Watch your time.
• Think before you write.