Writing Tips

Pre AP Social Studies

Organize your thoughts!!!

• Even the greatest writers plan. Take a minute to plan your answer… outline it, make a mind map, a venn diagram, etc.

• Do not just “start writing”… you will forget something.

Know what the question is asking!

• Underline the verbs! For example, does the question ask you to analyze? Compare? Describe? Defend?

• If there are two parts to the question, make sure you answer BOTH of them.

Write a good thesis statement.• A thesis is a single declaratory sentence(s) that

answers the prompt. It does not simply copy the question.

• A thesis statement:• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of

the subject matter under discussion. • is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the

reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. • directly answers the question asked of you… it makes a

claim that others might dispute. • is usually a single sentence in your first paragraph that

presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

What NOT to do…•DO NOT…

– Use words like “stuff”, “kind of”, etc. Use academic language. Remember, you are showing the reader how smart you are.

– Insert yourself into the paper. Do not say “I am going to tell you about”, “I think that…” or “I learned that…” Keep yourself and first person out of it.

– Ask the reader questions… you are telling them what you know, not questioning them. Never say something like “How are these people to survive?”

– Abbreviate or use “texting” language.

Good advice!

• Always proofread.• Assume the reader knows NOTHING.

Explain concepts in detail.• Use specific vocabulary. If something has

a specific name USE IT. For example, instead of writing “coffin” when talking about Ancient Egypt, say “sarcophagus”. Show off what you know!