Essay Writing Guidelines

A persuasive, analytic essay should contain three main parts: the introductory paragraph, supplementary paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Each of these parts and their key components are explained below. Students are required to make use of these guidelines throughout the writing process.

1. The Introductory Paragraph

In the introductory paragraph students should indicate to the reader that they have a good understanding of the focus of the question. This paragraph should include the following information:

·         A thesis statement. This statement should be assertive, brief, and to the point. This will enable students to maintain the focus of their paper and write persuasively.

·         A brief explanation of any key theme or complex idea contained in the thesis. Students should be sure they convey to the reader what is meant by the words and phrases in the thesis and demonstrate a thorough understanding of all the components of the question.

·         A brief listing of the main organizational points that will be used to structure and present the data used to defend the thesis. The emphasis is on the organizational points, not detailed explanations. This list could include the following:

-          Application of the basic concepts

-          Expert opinions

-          Categories of evidence (i.e., statistics or socioeconomic data)

2.  Supplementary Paragraphs

The number, order, and nature of these paragraphs will be determined by the organizational list from the thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. These should provide relevant details that support the thesis statement. A thorough job of linking this information to the thesis should be done, and the following common mistakes should be avoided. 

·         Quoting the author of the textbook and/or documents.

·         Using catch phrases if they are apart of the question.

·         Using first person (in a persuasive paper, this weakens the writer’s argument)

·         Waiting until the end of the paragraph to link points to the thesis (e.g., “Therefore, based on the information above, one can see that…”)

·         Appealing to emotion or answering the question with a question (e.g., “How would feel if this were to happen to you?”)

·         Utilizing overtly simplistic statements and the idea of single causation (e.g., “PAC contributions are a form of bribery that corrupt all members of Congress.”)

·         “Data-dumping”—providing any information without any relevant link to the thesis.

3. Concluding Paragraph

In the essay, the emphasis of this paragraph is a brief summary delineating the case made in support of the thesis.

In the research papers, the emphasis of this paragraph is synthesis as well as summary. Students should go one step higher and draw inferences based on the facts presented in their paper (i.e., “What problems does ‘this’ pose for the future?” or “What possible solutions might alleviate the problem?”).

Additional Considerations Regarding Research Papers:

1. Papers are to be five to six pages in length; typed and double spaced (papers typed on a word processor must have a backup disk).
2. A minimum of five sources other than the textbook must be consulted and properly end noted. Two sources must be from professional publications. It is highly recommended that you make use of as many primary sources as possible.
3. Make outlines of every paper before you start writing. Then use the outline as a real guide. The outline must be turned in with the paper.
4. Read each question carefully and thoroughly discuss it with your group. If further clarification is needed, make an appointment with your teacher.
5. Time frame: four weeks for research and one week for the actual writing of the paper.
6. Wherever possible apply contrast and/or compare other historical events as evidence to back up your arguments.
7. Proofread your papers very carefully- spelling and grammatical errors will detract from your overall grade.