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.