Essay Template
Use this template when constructing an essay, each of the boxed areas represents a paragraph of your essay. Make sure that
you include all the material shown.
USE THIS AS A CHECK SHEET WHEN DOING DOCUMENT BASED QUESTIONS
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Background information – Either supplied with multiple documents or from a source that you find on your own. If you
find your own background information, make sure that you use parenthetical citations (see below) to advise where you
got the information.
 Definition – Define a term that gives your answer meaning. Example – If there is a question about slavery or
revolution, you could define the term. This clarifies your answer and provides perspective.
 Thesis statement – In its simplest form, a thesis statement is an answer to the question and supporting reasons
(normally two for a four paragraph essay) in the same sentence. Think of it as an equation A (answer) + R1 (Reason 1)
+ R2 (Reason 2) = Thesis. You must include all of the parts. Your answer must be specific. Example – In the Stono
Rebellion Essays the question was how did attitudes change about slavery. Many of you just said that they changed
without saying that they changed for the better or worse. Make your answer definitive and specific to the question.
Remember a test for your thesis is: Does it answer the question? If it does not the thesis is bad.

Paragraph 2 – First supporting paragraph
 Use Reason 1 (R1) that you supplied in your thesis as the topic sentence for this paragraph.
 Always include proof or evidence to support your reason.
 In the case of a document-based question, you need to supply the number of quotations stated in the directions, from
the documents supplied. Example: In the Stono Rebellion essay there were three documents supplied and you were
directed to use a quote from each document (three total) within the body of the essay.
 Only quote one sentence or paraphrase a long quote. Paraphrasing would be to write the first three to four words
followed by..…and the last three to four words.
 Cite the document you are using with parenthetical citations at the end of the quote and before the period. Example
“This is a quote from the document that is long ….. which has been paraphrased” (Document A).
 Provide a minimum of four sentences of your own analysis (in addition to the quotes) that explains the quote and goes
toward proving the answer that you supplied in your thesis.
 You must have quotes from the documents contained in each of your supporting paragraphs, not additional sources.
Paragraph 3 – Second supporting paragraph
 Use Reason 2 (R2) that you supplied in your thesis as the topic sentence for this paragraph.
 Always include proof or evidence to support your reason.
 In the case of a document-based question, you need to supply the number of quotations stated in the directions, from
the documents supplied. Example: In the Stono Rebellion essay there were three documents supplied and you were
directed to use a quote from each document (three total) within the body of the essay.
 Only quote one sentence or paraphrase a long quote. Paraphrasing would be to write the first three to four words
followed by..…and the last three to four words.
 Cite the document you are using with parenthetical citations at the end of the quote and before the period. Example
“This is a quote from the document that is long ….. which has been paraphrased” (Document A).
 Provide a minimum of four sentences of your own analysis (in addition to the quotes) that explains the quote and goes
toward proving the answer that you supplied in your thesis.
 You must have quotes from the documents contained in each of your supporting paragraphs, not additional sources.
Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
 Summarize your main points of proof (Reasons 1 & 2).
 Restate/Rephrase (not repeat) your thesis statement
 Include a statement about why the issue in question was important then or now.
G:\West Shore 2009-2010\US History\Essay Template.doc