Name:______

Historical Essay Writing Workshop

Today you will learn to plan and write a multi-paragraph historical essay, a skill you will use in the future. All the information will be provided; you will only need to put the information in cogent, coherent sentences. Begin by reading the tips below:

Essay Question: Was Charlemagne a dynamic and powerful ruler?

Clearly, the answer is yes. But saying yes isn’t enough; you must discuss reasons why Charlemagne was dynamic/powerful.

FORMAT: Introduction, Body, Conclusion paragraphs. Each paragraph should be multiple sentences.

Body Paragraphs: Body paragraphs should include information that supports your argument (in this case, information showing that Charlemagne was a dynamic and powerful ruler). Use the table at the bottom of page 289 for your body paragraph ex.

All body paragraphs should follow the above format. Your essay should show why Charlemagne’s abilities as a man, administrator, conqueror, and patron of learning made him a strong and dynamic ruler.

Introduction and Conclusion paragraphs – They essentially serve the same purpose. In the introduction, say what you’re going to say. In the conclusion, say what you’ve said.

Introduction – Make a topic sentence that answers the question. Then, include the reasons (just the reasons or headings) and briefly explain them. Say what you’re going to say in the rest of the paper.

Conclusion – Again, start with a topic sentence. “Therefore, Charlemagne was both a dynamic and powerful ruler during his reign.” Then list the reasons (just the headings – administrator, conqueror, etc.) you gave in your body paragraphs. Close with a strong sentence that sums up your argument.

Introduction Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Reasons 1-4 (can be combined in multiple sentences)
  • Doesn’t need to be extraordinarily long for an essay like this.

Body Paragraphs – 4

  • Topic Sentence –Should include why the reason/heading made him a dynamic and powerful ruler.
  • Example 1 with why it is important
  • Example 2 with why it is important
  • Example 3 with why it is important
  • Closing sentence

Closing Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Restate reasons 1-4
  • Closing Sentence that sums up argument.

Body Paragraph # ______

Topic Sentence: ______

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Example 1: ______

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Example 2: ______

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Example 3: ______

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Closing sentence: ______

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