Essay Writing for US History and Government Regents

Essay Writing for US History and Government

Regents Exam Essays You will have to write 2 essays on the US History Regents exam in June. One Thematic essay One DBQ essay

Thematic Essay – 15 points Thematic Essays are essays that revolve around a specific theme in US History. The main themes of the course are: Change, citizenship, Constitutional principles, culture, diversity, economic systems, environment, foreign policy, geography, government, human systems and society, immigration and migration, individuals, groups and institutions, interdependence, reform movements, Presidential actions and decisions, science and technology

DBQ – 30 points A DBQ asks students to read analyze historical records, gather information and fill in short scaffolding response questions, assimilate and synthesize information from several documents, and then respond (usually as a written essay) to an assigned task, by using information gleaned from the documents as well as their own outside information.

Constructed Response Q’s 15 points The DBQ usually has about 8 documents. They can be text, maps, graphs, charts, political cartoons, pictures, etc… You need to answer questions after each document The answer to the question is found in the document!!!

Essay 15 points First, you’re given the “Historical Context” to read. This should be re-worded and used as your INTRODUCTION!! (don’t plagiarize) How easy is that? ? ?

Dots, Dots!!! Next, you’re given the TASK. This is what you’re essay is actually about. The TASK is usually listed in bullets or dots For each bullet listed, you should write at least one paragraph Focus on the DOTS people!!!

Sample DBQ from June 2014 Historical Context: During the 1960 s, writers frequently reflected social conditions that influenced United States history. These writers increased public awareness of critical issues facing the nation and had an important impact on the United States and on American society. Three such writers were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”), Rachel Carson (Silent Spring), and Betty Friedan (The Feminine Mystique). Task: Choose two writers from the 1960 s mentioned in the historical context and for each • Describe the historical circumstances surrounding an issue addressed by the writer • Discuss how the writer influenced the United States and/or American society

Essay Writing a good essay involves good planning and preparation. First, read the essay topic. What do you know about it?

Organize Your Thoughts Create a graphic organizer or just brainstorm information that you know about the topic Remember – history is contentbased. That is, you are graded on what you know, not how well you can say it!

Tips NEVER use “I” in a history essay DO NOT add your opinion Write like a newspaper reporter – focus entirely on the facts Use good structure – Intro, Body, Conclusion Begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence

Mickey D’s or BK? Build your essay like you would your favorite hamburger – make it nice and juicy!!! The introduction is the top bun The body of the essay is the meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, special sauces, etc. The conclusion is the bottom bun

Starting out Paragraph 1 = Introduction. This is where you put the historical context into your own words Paragraph 2 = Bullet #1 of the TASK Paragraph 3 = Bullet #2 of the TASK Paragraph 4 = Conclusion (restate the Intro)

Don’t forget the DOCUMENTS! You need to refer to at least one more than half the # of documents given. So, if 8 documents are given, you need to mention 5 of them. Make sure you CITE the document! Reference it by number and name! NEVER start a paragraph by saying “In document #1, …. ) Remember, the DBQ is about the TASK, not a summary of the documents!

Outside Information What else do you know about the topic? Draw from your knowledge of history, things you’ve learned in other classes, make connections, mention people, places, dates, and other events!

Thematics On the following slides are some examples of past Thematic Essays. How would you begin each one?