How to Write a History Essay (Yale PhD Student) | For High School & AP History, College History, etc

Summary

In this video, Kaelyn, a 2nd Year PhD student in History and African American Studies at Yale, breaks down the essential steps to writing a successful history paper. Aimed at students from high school to graduate level, Kaelyn covers the key components of a history essay, including structure, thesis development, sources, evidence, and research methods. With a focus on helping students achieve top grades, this video serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of historical writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kaelyn introduces herself as a 2nd Year PhD Student in History and African American Studies at Yale.
• 😀 The video is aimed at helping students understand how to write a history paper effectively.
• 😀 The focus of the video is on breaking down the basics of writing a history essay, including structure, thesis, and content.
• 😀 The content is relevant for a wide range of students, including those in high school, college, and graduate programs.
• 😀 Kaelyn emphasizes the importance of understanding the overall structure of a history paper for crafting a strong essay.
• 😀 The video will cover essential elements of a history paper, such as sources, evidence, and methods.
• 😀 Key focus is placed on writing a paper that will earn an A+ grade.
• 😀 Students will learn how to organize their ideas in a coherent and academically rigorous manner.
• 😀 Kaelyn will provide tips on selecting and integrating sources and evidence to support the thesis.
• 😀 The video will also discuss how to apply methods and approaches specific to history research.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video focuses on how to write a history paper, covering topics such as the overall structure of a history essay, developing a thesis, sources and evidence, and methods for writing an A+ essay.

Who is the presenter of this video, and what is her academic background?

The presenter is Kaelyn, a 2nd Year PhD student in History and African American Studies at Yale University.

What level of students is this video aimed at?

The video is aimed at students of various academic levels, including high school, college, and graduate students beginning in a history program.

What key aspects of writing a history essay will be covered in this video?

The video will cover the overall structure of a history essay, how to develop a thesis, the use of sources and evidence, and other essential methods for writing a successful essay.

What is the significance of a thesis in writing a history paper?

A thesis is crucial as it presents the central argument or claim of the paper. It guides the entire paper, helping to organize the research and evidence around a focused argument.

Why is understanding sources and evidence important in writing a history essay?

Understanding sources and evidence is vital because they provide the foundation for supporting your thesis. Proper use of evidence strengthens the argument and ensures that the paper is well-supported and credible.

What role does the overall structure of a history paper play?

The structure is important as it organizes the content in a logical flow. A clear structure helps the reader follow the argument easily and ensures the essay is cohesive and well-organized.

What are the key methods to consider when writing a history paper?

Key methods include conducting thorough research, analyzing primary and secondary sources, critically engaging with evidence, and structuring the paper logically to present a clear argument.

How can students achieve an A+ in a history essay according to the video?

To achieve an A+, students should focus on developing a strong thesis, organizing their paper well, using reliable sources and evidence effectively, and employing sound historical methods in their writing.

What can students expect to learn from this video?

Students can expect to learn the basic principles of writing a history paper, including how to structure the paper, formulate a strong thesis, use sources and evidence, and apply historical methods to write a high-quality essay.