HELPFUL SET OF INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO WRITE A HISTORY ESSAY

When required to write history essay, you may wonder where to begin so as to ensure that the paper you write is interesting to the reader. Before going in to the specifics of how to start a history essay, it is important to understand that which constitutes good paper on any subject, but specifically on history.

• What is a good essay on history?
  If you put this question to any forum, you will find that every person has their own explanation and answer to this question. Although people differ on opinion as to what exactly should be included or discussed in history academic paper, the following are some important guidelines you need to note and keep in mind.
• Relevance:
  History is based on facts and so whatever you write in the paper must be based on the facts and must also be relevant. For example, you are asked to explain the causes of the holocaust, simply explain the reason advanced by those who perpetrated the mass murder or Jews, or the reason suggested by people as they try to find the motives behind the act. Information such as the origins of Jews, the wicked life of Hitler and Nazi Germany may not be relevant. There is so much that can be said in history but you must ensure that it is relevant.
• Do thorough research.
  Sometimes, you may be require to write a paper on some events which you already have information about. For example, the 9/11 attacks in the United States. We all have heard or read stories about this terror attack, but do not assume that you know what is required. There is so much information not within your knowledge unless you research deeply. For instance, there are many academic and scholarly articles which are an important source of academic information as they explore the motives behind terrorism, and other important information about the chronology of events before the attack. The more you read widely, the more factual information you get to support your paper.
• Structure is very important:
  An advice on the steps on writing an essay cannot be complete without an explanation on the recommended structure. Any academic should have a good topic to begin with. So, in writing history paper, you must think of a good topic. Avoid the common topics or the obvious ones. An abstract may also be required, and it gives an overview of the experiments, research work and other important details about the paper. It is also important to ensure that the paper has clear introduction and conclusion. The introduction should usher the reader to the main content or arguments in the paper. The conclusion should sum up your arguments and where possible may recommend future research.