How to format a Thematic Essay Here is

How to format a Thematic Essay • Here is the Thematic Essay – the topic is Culture and Intellectual Life: • Select two intellectuals, philosophers, and/or leaders and a writing associated with that person and for each: – Describe the historical circumstances surrounding this writing – Describe a main idea found in this writing – Discuss how this idea has influenced the development of a nation or region.

How to format a Thematic Essay • Trigger Words are in Red: • Select two intellectuals, philosophers, and/or leaders (people) and a writing associated with that person and for each • Describe the historical circumstances surrounding this writing • Describe a main idea found in this writing • Discuss how this idea has influenced the development of a nation or region

Turn a “Task” into your “Direction Statement” • Trigger 1 • Trigger 2 • (focus on them!) “Task” “Translate” • “I have to. . . ” • Make your “I have to” into a “We will” statement. . . “Direction”

Task = Trigger Words = Organization! • Two = Choose two/for each: – Describe/historical circumstances (Step One) – Describe/main idea/writing (Step Two) – Discuss/idea/influenced/nation/region (Step Three)” • Direction Sentences for you – I have to describe the main idea of the writer – I have to Show the idea was influential

Constructing Your Intro: • Big Picture = Grab the readers attention by talking about the topic • Selection = Remind the reader which choices/selections you have made (usually two) • Direction = Restate your Direction Statement into a “Our focus will be. . . We will also. . . • Your reader now knows that you understand what the question has asked of you, and that you have a plan. . .

Regents Thematic Essays: The Intro Your Selections “Big Picture” Essay Direction Body Paragraph 1

Trigger Words = Paragraphs • Each Body follows the order of the Task • Your topic (selection) might be different. . . • But. . . the steps. . . are the same • Stay with your trigger words. . . and you won’t be lost!

Trigger Words = Body Paragraphs • First Selection(Luther) • Second Selection(Locke) • Describe/Circumstances • Describe/Idea • Discuss/Impact

Writing Conclusions: Do Not. . . • Do not start your conclusion with. . . – “In conclusion. . . ” – “In summary. . . ” – “In closing. . . ” • (These are brutally obvious and simply bad writing. . . ) • Do not simply repeat your Introduction. . . • Do not start a new an unrelated topic. . .

Writing Conclusions: Try these: • Connect the topic to a current event. • Contrast it with another idea from Global Studies. • Remind the reader why this topic is such a big deal in Global • Propose a question to the reader (concerning the topic) that you could comment briefly on.