Writing a Historical Essay

To produce a sustained argument (rather than a chaotic jumble or a five-paragraph essay), always use Functional Topic Sentences and PIE.

Functional Topic Sentences

    -Tell the point of the paragraph and
    -Tell what that point has to do with the thesis

Make sure that everything you discuss in the paragraph sticks to the topic of the paragraph. As a general rule you should have only ONE idea per paragraph. Also, be sure to avoid large paragraphs; if you notice a paragraph that is half a page or more in length, find a point where you can logically create a new paragraph. You may also find it helpful to end each paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the point you've made.

When you finish drafting your paper, string together all the topic sentences; they should summarize your argument. If they don't, fix the essay by moving paragraphs around, dividing up topics, or adding paragraphs where argumentative points are missing.

You can use the strung-together topic sentences as a basis for your opening paragraph or thesis statement, if you're having trouble writing that.

PIE is a method for effectively incorporating outside sources into your essay.

Point: Make your argumentative point
Illustration: Illustrate the point with a quotation, example, reference to scholarly opinion, statistic
Explanation: Explain what the quote/example/statistic/opinion means in the context of your argument

Notice that a quote can never make your point for you. It can only illustrate a point you've already made. Also notice that there will always be twice as many of your ideas as there are of other people's. You should never begin or end a paragraph with a quotation.