Writing the Historical Narrative Essay

Summary

In this insightful video, Walter Bound shares essential tips for writing a historical essay. He emphasizes the importance of establishing context, understanding the author's background, and identifying the purpose of the narrative. Key elements include considering the audience, analyzing the author's style, and using textual evidence effectively. Walter advises on structuring the essay with clear transitions and concise sentences while minimizing mechanical errors. He concludes with a reminder to proofread and refine the essay to enhance clarity and coherence, ensuring students can present their arguments persuasively within the constraints of class time.

Takeaways

• 📜 Establish clear context: Define the time period and situation of the historical essay.
• 🔍 Identify the author: Understand their role and trustworthiness in relation to the historical context.
• 📝 Specify the piece of writing: Clarify whether it's a narrative, diary, poem, etc., and cite it correctly.
• 🎯 Determine the purpose: Analyze what the author aims to achieve with their writing.
• 👥 Consider the audience: Tailor language and content based on who the audience is and their expectations.
• ✍️ Analyze the author's style: Use adjectives and metaphors to describe the author's tone and voice.
• ⚖️ Address the mission: Conclude by connecting the essay back to the initial argument or theme.
• 📖 Use textual evidence: Support all claims with relevant quotes and analysis throughout the essay.
• 🔄 Maintain clarity: Use clear transitions, topic sentences, and concise structure to enhance readability.
• 🧐 Proofread: If time allows, review and correct mechanical errors to improve the overall quality of the essay.

Q & A

What is the first step in writing a historical essay according to Walter Bound?

The first step is to establish clear context, including the time period, the situation, and the conflict being addressed.

How should a student effectively open their essay?

Students should consider using an anecdote from the reading to engage the reader but should avoid lengthy introductions to maintain focus on the main points.

What should students consider about the author of the text they are analyzing?

Students should identify the author's role in history, their position, and whether the author is trustworthy, along with the type of writing being examined.

Why is it important to understand the purpose of the author's writing?

Understanding the author's purpose helps clarify their objectives and intentions, which is crucial for analyzing the narrative effectively.

What factors should be considered regarding the audience of the narrative?

Students should analyze the audience’s characteristics and how the author’s language and style cater to that audience.

How can students describe the author’s style?

Students should use adjectives and metaphors to characterize the author's style, considering elements like mood and voice.

What should students do in their conclusion?

Students should tie the conclusion back to the introduction and ensure that all claims are supported by textual evidence.

What are some mechanical aspects students should keep in mind when writing their essays?

Students should minimize mechanical errors, maintain concise sentence structures, and use clear transitions and topic sentences.

What is the significance of proofreading the essay?

Proofreading allows students to catch and correct errors, improving the overall clarity and quality of their writing.

What type of textual evidence should students include in their essays?

Students should use sufficient textual evidence to support their claims, ensuring that it is tied to the essay's themes or thesis.