Rockridge Social Studies

The Introduction (with thesis and Supporting Ideas!)

 

The introduction should state the THESIS (what the student is trying to prove). A thesis makes a claim about something, and is arguably, the most important part of your essay. If well written, a strong thesis will not only propel your essay forward, but it will also be the instrument that ultimately captures the reader's attention. 

 

THESIS:

 

"While it is true that France should take some credit for halting the German advance at the start of World War One, the major reason, however, for Germany's failure for a quick French defeat rests on the shoulders of the German army's chief of staff, Helmuth von Moltke." 

 

Aside from a thesis, an introductory paragraph also introduces the essay topic by providing some background and later by highlighting the supporting ideas that supports your thesis. For example, the introduction should provide three or so pieces of evidence (supporting ideas) as to why Moltke was at fault. 

 

SUPPORTING IDEAS:

 

"There were three chief reasons for Moltke's failure. First, he failed to respect Alfred von Shlieffen's warnings of keeping the "right wing strong." Second, despite the German momentum towards Paris, Moltke panicked and ordered a retreat to the Aisne river after the French counter-attack. Third, Moltke diverted too many soldiers away from the Western front and unnecessarily put them in the Eastern front, against the not-yet-organized Russian army."

 

By highlighting your supporting ideas in the introduction, the reader is clear about what he or she is about to read. There is no guesswork involved. 

 

 

 

It is preferable that the writer of the essay not refer to him/herself. For example avoid writing, 

 

"In this essay I will prove..." 

 

Avoid the reference to both the essay and yourself. Why? First, it is obvious that you wrote it; and second, you don't need to state that your essay, is in fact an essay (Having said that, certain post secondary institutions may prefer the reference. Check with your instructor after high school). Finally, no proof should be presented in the introduction. Leave that for the body paragraphs. 

 

 

The Body of the Essay

 

The body of the essay is comprised of a series of paragraphs. The objective of each paragraph is to prove your point (your thesis) by providing evidence. Each piece of evidence should have its own paragraph. For instance, if you have three pieces of evidence to support your thesis that Moltke was at fault, then you would have three separate paragraphs. If you have five pieces of evidence, then have five separate paragraphs. There is no limit to the number of paragraphs.

 

Ideas must be backed up with paraphrased examples and relevant quotations. All quotations must be cited according to University of Chicago style. All material used in research must be catalogued in a bibliography in the University of Chicago style. All quotations that exceed three lines must be indented approximately five spaces from the left margin and single-spaced. This is called blocking the quotation. The following is an example of a block quote, and the text that precedes it:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paragraph Structure

 

 

Each paragraph should stand on its own. Meaning, each paragraph provides all the necessary information to support your argument (thesis), and that there is very little overlap between the different paragraphs. 

 

As well, each paragraph should be linked with the others with a transition (As well, Again, In contrast...) to enhance flow and continuity. This creates an essay that appears to be one complete argument instead of a series of unrelated paragraphs. 

 

Every paragraph in the essay needs a topic sentence. Before writing your topic sentence ask yourself,

 

"What am I trying to say or prove in this paragraph?" 

 

Your answer will help you write your topic sentence. Asking this simple question will help focus your mind, and therefore your essay. Don't write, I am trying to prove..., but do record the words that complete that thought. The topic sentence should be as close to the first sentence as possible to achieve clarity. The purpose of each paragraph is to produce evidence in a manner that is clear and articulate. If done well the reader should start believing your argument with each passing paragraph.

 

 

The Summary

 

The summary should review the supporting ideas of the essay. It must NOT contain any new information. Remember, this is the last time the reader will see the essay. 

 

Words of wisdom... 

 

If you have words of wisdom and insight into the question, this is your chance to shine. Stay on topic and do so in a few words. Do not present proof in the summary. You are summing up, not still trying to prove the case.

 

 

The Bibliography Versus Footnoting

 

Although a fully referenced footnote provides all the necessary information for a teacher (to locate your source material), the social studies department requires you to provide a bibliography as well. For the purpose of learning these skills, it is necessary to have both footnoting (bottom of the page) and a bibliography (at the end of your essay). An essay will not receive a passing grade if one or both are missing.

 

Note that there are some significant differences between the format of notes and bibliographic entries. Go to the "How to Write a Bibliography" page to learn more. 

 

 

Essay Style Tips

 

Avoid "academic-speak." Many students think that formal research essays need to be written in a way that sounds academic––with long, drawn-out sentences and an overuse of big fancy words. Don't do this. Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). Good writers always fill their sentences with as few words as possible and still manage to get their point across. Remove unnecessary words. It's that simple. 

 

"KISS"

 

In a formal essay, some words and expressions should not appear. The use of I or I think or In this essay... must be avoided. The writer must never refer to him/herself or the essay. Slang or anything that can be construed as slang must not be used. Abbreviations should not be used unless the words they replace are written out first, followed by the abbreviation in brackets. For example,

 

"The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on the developed world to increase their spending on AIDS prevention. The WHO insists that without an immediate infusion of cash infection rates will continue to climb in the developing world." 

 

Notice the placement of "WHO" in the two sentences. Standard abbreviations must be used. Check in a good dictionary if in doubt.