Essay Links

Thematic Essays are very similar to traditional essays. The students are given a theme in which they need to identify. Next, they need to choose, usually two or three, examples of that theme and answer all parts of the given task. Organization is a key component. For additional tools to help write a thematic essay, click on the links below.

http://www.oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/theme.htm
http://www.oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/outline.htm
http://www.regentsprep.org/Regents/global/examoverview/thematic.cfm

Document Based Questions (DBQs) seem like they are more complex than thematic essays but they are really quite simple. A series of documents is provided that are related to the task. The students need to make specific references to those documents in their essay as well as incorporate relevant outside information. Although it sounds complicated, it is an easy skill to master. Click on the links below for additional help with writing DBQ essays.  

http://www.oswego.org/staff/tcaswell/wg/dbq.htm
http://www.middleburgh.k12.ny.us/dbq/parentguide/index.htm