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Writing!Analytical!History!Essays!–!Outline!
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Your%goal%as%a%Pre,%IB%history%student%is%to%write%well6substantiated!analytical!
essays.%%Remember%during%essay%tests%you%are%being%timed.%You%will%have%50%
minutes%to%write%each%essay.%%I%encourage%you%to%take%approximately%five%minutes%to%
read%the%question,%highlighting%the%key%words,%to%make%sure%you%fully%understand%
what%is%being%asked.%During%this%time%you%should%also%prepare%a%brief%outline%of%your%
essay.%This%will%help%you%stay%focussed%on%proving%the%thesis%and%will%allow%you%to%
make%better%use%of%your%time.%%
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Introductory!Paragraph!!!This%paragraph%must%introduce%your%topic%and%
present%your%thesis.%!
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Opening!Sentence!!
• Grab the reader’s attention with something interesting and specific to the topic.
Avoid sweeping generalizations (Throughout history… People always wonder
about…) as they are too vague.
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Subsequent!Sentences%%
• Demonstrate an understanding of the question. Clarify any key concepts that are
mentioned (“Democracy, Oligarchy, Revolution, etc.) and outline which
events/individuals and time period you will consider. What does the reader need to
know before he/she is able to understand your thesis?
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Thesis!Statement%%
• In one or two sentences clearly state your position and briefly outline your supporting
arguments.
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• Present your arguments in the same order in which you will address them in your
essay.
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** In a timed essay test, it is important to include your thesis at the end of the paragraph.
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First!Supporting!Argument!!(not%limited%to%one%paragraph)%
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Topic!Sentence!
• Your first supporting argument to prove your thesis is clearly stated.
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Proof/Evidence!
• Support your argument using accurate & detailed evidence: relevant and specific
facts, examples, quotes, and the interpretations of historians where applicable.
Remember to use historically relevant vocabulary, dates, and include evidence from
primary sources.
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Explanation!!
• Clearly explain why the evidence supports your argument. Use analytical links: this
suggests…, clearly shows…, which in turn meant…, is significant because…
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Connection!%
• Close the paragraph by wrapping up the argument presented in the topic sentence and
connecting it to your thesis.
