changes and continuities essay

Question

How should I outline my essay to have an intro paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion?

Answer 1

When writing History essays, I always encourage students to use the M.E.A.L. plan for structuring their body paragraphs. Here is a sample outline:

1. Introduction
2. Opening Line: Speak precisely to the topic at hand
3. Stage Setting: Introduce the reader to the problem at hand & set yourself up to address the questions in the prompt
4. Thesis Statement: directly answers the question in the prompt, discuss the significance of the argument, offer a roadmap for the rest of the paper
5. Main Idea(s)
6. Transition
7. Body Paragraph 1
8. Main Idea
9. Evidence
10. Analysis of Evidence
11. Link to Thesis & Lead to Next Paragraph
12. Body Paragraph 2
13. Main Idea
14. Evidence
15. Analysis of Evidence
16. Link to Thesis and Lead to Next Paragraph
17. Body Paragraph 3
18. Main Idea
19. Evidence
20. Analysis of Evidence
21. Link to Thesis and Lead to Conclusion
22. Conclusion
23. Reiterate your argument using different language than your thesis and body paragraphs
24. tell your reader why your argument matters
25. consider the historical implications or significance of your topic OR connect paper to a larger theme