Essay Test Guidelines for History Courses

As you know from the course syllabus, major unit tests in this course are essays. These essays should be in the standard five-paragraph format that you have learned to use in your English courses. Of course, you may write more than five paragraphs, but five is the minimum.

The standard format is as follows:
• 1st paragraph: Introduction. State your thesis and (at least) three major points you will discuss to prove that thesis.
• 2nd paragraph: 1st major point and supporting evidence
• 3rd paragraph: 2nd major point and supporting evidence
• 4th paragraph: 3rd major point and supporting evidence
• 5th paragraph: Conclusion. Restate your thesis and briefly summarize your evidence.

Listed below are additional guidelines for writing papers:

Do:
• Use blue or black ink. If possible, use a word processor or typewriter.
• Double-space your text.
• Use correct grammar.
• Use correct spellings.
• Use correct punctuation.
• Use logic (Avoid contradictions or non-sequiturs when defending your thesis.).
• Use correct, factual information to support your thesis.
• Use multiple sources of historical information.
• Cite your sources.
• Give clear examples after making a general statement.
• Make sure that you understand the vocabulary that you are using.

Do Not:
• Use slang.
• Use contractions.
[The language you use in history papers should be more formal than your everyday speech.]
• Copy information verbatim from your notes or texts. All information should be paraphrased and in the proper context.
• Use first-person forms (I, we, my).
 

Click on the underlined title below to view and print a copy of the Essay Grading Rubric.  Parents are expected to grade all essay tests before the student submits the paper to the instructor.

"Essay_Grading_Rubric"