Document 6493294

_l
How to write a Histori c Datd Document BasedQuestion
is not in essenceentirelyto
Introduction: The purposeof a HistoricDocumentBasedEssayResponse
your
ability to write as a
evaluate
to
also
rather
testyour knowledgeof the subjectexclusively,but
documentsand use
historic
understand
read
and
historian. The essiy is a way to illustrateyour ability to
them to formulateand supporta working thesis.
The focus of
In writing an essayof this nature,there is no single answer,so you cannotbe right or wrong.
of that data'As long as your answeris
the assigimentis to developa thesisthroughyour interpretation
the
documentyou are correct'
of
content
the
by
logical and your interpretationis supported
A Stepby stepbreakdownand how Guide to the Essay:
Thingsto focuson from a historicalstandpoint:
L Readcarefullythe questionprompt and the historicalbackground.Be sureyou understandthe
in the essay.Underlinethe key tasks
questionbeingaskedand what needsto be accomplished
to help you focus on what to look for
question
to
the
unique
demandedanJ the key terms that are
in the documentsand what to write about.
2. Readthe documentscarefullY.
3. Make surethat you understandthe contentof the document'
.o What is the author'sPoint of View
.o Whereis the tension?
.o Remember,not all historic documentsare factual,they often illustrate perspectiveand
asyou write you responseto supportof defend
biased,this may needto be addressed
your thesis.For example,are there authorsof the documentsfrom the sameplace with
differingview Points
.1.e. Is a Frenchmancritiquingthe Frenchor is it an Englishman?
o9 In dealingperspective,note what the biasedis and, which documentsoffer the greater
leveloffact.
4. When writing the actualessay,you shouldstriveto usemostof the document
.o Do not omit more than a few, this can adverselyeffect your score
5. When writing,do not simply sitethe documentsin a list type manner. You shouldusethem in a
way in which you use analyzeof their meaningto supportor further your argument.
6. You should strive to formulateorder with the documents'
.o Attempt to group them in such a way to createan overall picture that supportsyour
thesis.
j. To stressthis for a SECONDtime, this assignment
is intendedto show your ability to analyze
documentsandtheir content. Your ability to performanalysiswill be illustratedby:
thesis,which dividesyour answerinto
.o Havingan essaythat containsa well-developed
categories.
.o The documentsare usedas evidenceto supportyour thesis,and the documentsare
explainedand not merely quotedfrom'
.o Frequentreferenceis madeto the terms of the question'
.o The responseis focusedand maintainsthe main goalsof the question.Avoid drifting
beyondthe parametersof the question.Be certainthat your answeris always focused
directlYon the question.
8. Be certainthat,if the questionallows,you addressall of the following in writing your answer.
.9 In questionsthat aremulti sided,make suremultiple sidesare addressedand the issueis
from severalangles.
discussed
.o The validity or biasof documentsis noted.
.o If applicablenote how the perspectivein the documentsmay have changedover time
' I.e. did the pendulumof historyswing in the chronologicalcourseof the
Did it swingbackagain?
documents?
Things to focus on from a literary stand point'
. Remember,this is a historyessay,so history,andyour skills as a historianwill be the graders
focus, but theseare otherkey factorsto keep in mind:
introductionin which the time frameis noted.
. The essayhasan adequate
providingan answerto the questionand dividesthe answerinto
. The thesisis well developed,
categories'
formatwhen possible'
. you employ a properessaystyle;shootfor a 5-paragraph
. Grammarand spellingareadequate
. Never write in first personand avoid secondperson(i.e' you, us' etc.)
. Do Not tell the readerswhat they are "going to leam"'
. All quotationsyou usefrom the documentsshouldbe limited to a short phrase,which is
placedwithinihe contextof your answer,do not usemoreof the quotesthenyou haveto.
. MAKE SURE ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND
ANSWERED.
the thesisand
the evidence,restates
. Make sureyou includea conclusionthat summarizes
indicatesa direction for further study or occulrences'
. Try to baseyour commentsand thesison the documents,NOT on outsideinformation.
but it must not be the basisof
Outsideinformationmay be usedto enhanceunderstanding
Your argument.