Change Over Time (COT) Thesis Template

When examining (WHAT) in (WHO/WHERE) during (WHEN), there was much continuity and change. A significant continuity was that (HOW things stayed the same) because (WHY things stayed the same). A significant change was that (HOW things changed) because (WHY things changed).

COT Essay Template

Paragraph 1: Thesis Statement

Paragraph 2: Discuss CONTINUITIES

Use sentence on continuities from thesis as topic sentence

Support with appropriate historical evidence

Paragraph 3: Discuss CHANGE

Use sentence on change from thesis as topic sentence

Support with appropriate historical evidence

Paragraph 4: Restate Thesis (ONLY if you can improve it!)

Sample Thesis

When examining interactions in Western Europe during the Post-Classical and Early Modern period, there was much continuity and change. A significant continuity was the continuance of Christian outreach to other peoples because of its missionary impulse. A significant difference was that their level of involvement in global trade increased because of the development of new technology.