One of the most difficult tasks in the Unified State Exam in History is task number 25, which is also called a historical essay. For this task, you can get as many as 11 primary points, therefore, anyone who claims a high score in the exam in history needs to learn how to write a historical essay.
In task 25, you will be offered a choice of three periods, one of which belongs to the section "Antiquities and the Middle Ages", one to "Modern History" and one to "Recent History". You need to write an essay about one of these periods, strictly considering its chronological framework.
The question of how to write a historical essay in the USE in history almost always arises among graduates who decide to take the USE in history. There are many materials on the network on this topic, however, for verification, most of the essays turn out to be too large in volume, and contain information that is simply impossible to remember. To prepare for an essay on history, knowing the subject well is not enough - you need to actively attend , read historical literature and go to .
Criteria for a historical essay in the USE 2018
So how do you write a good essay? First of all, it is necessary to take into account the criteria that are contained in the exam itself. They are listed below with some explanation. So, in the essay you need:
- indicate at least two significant events (phenomena, processes) related to a given period of history. Depending on the period, such an event can be: a war, a battle, a revolution, the implementation of a policy, the adoption of a particular law, the formation or collapse of a state, the formation of a political movement, etc. The range of historical events is very wide. The main thing is not to make a mistake and choose exactly those events that are included in the time period you have chosen, otherwise they will not be evaluated.
- name two historical figures whose activities are associated with the indicated events (phenomena, processes), and, using knowledge of historical facts, characterize the roles of the persons named by you in these events (phenomena, processes). At the same time, the authors of the USE explain that when characterizing a personality necessary indicate the specific actions of this person (the adoption of a law, the implementation of a policy, the annexation of a particular territory, etc.), which largely influenced the course and / or result of these events (processes, phenomena).
In other words, it is not enough just to name a person (ruler, statesman, cultural or socio-political figure) and list his merits. It is necessary to show exactly how this person or her actions influenced the events you indicated and what role she played in the processes you indicated.
- indicate at least two cause-and-effect relationships that characterize the causes of the occurrence of events (phenomena, processes) that occurred in a given period. That is, when characterizing an event, one must not only name it (for example, the October Revolution in Russia), but also indicate its causes (for example, people are tired of the war, the unresolved national conflicts, the decline in the authority of the Provisional Government, etc.). At the same time, in order to better highlight the causal relationships in your text, use the following (and similar) constructions:
1) This was due to a number of reasons, namely ...
2) This led to...
3) (This event) was greatly influenced by ...
4) Causes (events) are ...
6) As a result (of this event), the following changes occurred in ..
7) The result of the transformation was ...
8) (This event) was the beginning ...
- using the knowledge of historical facts and (or) the opinions of historians, evaluate the impact of events (phenomena, processes) of this period on the further history of Russia. In this case, you are asked to enter the period you have chosen in the general historical context, i.e. show how this period influenced the subsequent ones.
“As a result of the Mongol invasion, the Russian lands became politically and economically dependent on the Golden Horde, which lasted more than two hundred years and, according to the historian Karamzin, had a decisive influence on the nature of power in the Russian state.”
Also, an important criterion for a historical essay is the appearance of the text. The test should contain a consistent and coherent presentation of the material, present a full-fledged work, and not fragmentary provisions.
Template and plan for a historical essay on history
When writing a historical essay, we recommend that you adhere to the following template, which will greatly simplify your life and make writing an essay more understandable.
Introduction
In the introduction, write the name of the period (for example, the era of palace coups, the Time of Troubles, etc.), indicate the ruler or rulers. In a few words, describe the situation in the country at the beginning of the period; here, also note the main events, phenomena and processes.
- Main part
- Indicate one of the historical processes you mentioned in the introduction. Using introductory constructions, indicate its causes, as well as features of development.
- Choose a historical figure who participated in the process you indicated and reveal his role, keeping in mind the criteria for writing. Do not forget to give as many historical facts and dates as possible (but only if you are absolutely sure of them!)
- Indicate what led, the event, process or phenomenon you described, as well as how it influenced other events, phenomena or processes.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to describe the second historical process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the facts you indicated in the essay, draw a conclusion about the significance of this period for the history of Russia. Indicate how historians assessed this period and / or, based on the facts, give your own assessment of its role in history.
Do not forget to check your essay again after writing for compliance with all criteria!
An example of a historical essay in the exam in the history of 2018
Period 1598-1613 (Time of Troubles)
The period of the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century in Russian history is called the Time of Troubles. At this time, the Russian state had to face political, economic and social crises that brought the country to the brink of collapse.
During this period, one can single out many political figures whose main task was to keep power in their hands in the face of famine, frequent uprisings and foreign intervention. After the death of the last sovereign from the Rurik dynasty, Fyodor Ioannovich, the country was ruled by Boris Godunov (1598-1605), an influential boyar and formerly the closest adviser to Tsar Fyodor, elected by the Zemsky Sobor.
With the beginning of his reign, many historians associate the beginning of the Troubles. The consequences of the oprichnina policy pursued by Ivan IV, as well as the famine of 1601-1603, greatly weakened the economy and caused a wave of discontent among the population, which led to death, robbery and numerous uprisings, for example, the uprising of Khlopok (1603). All of the above events in one way or another contributed to the growth of dissatisfaction with the rule of Boris and the strengthening of his rivals.
The situation worsened with the appearance on the territory of the Russian kingdom of False Dmitry I, who claimed his rights to the throne on behalf of the "miraculously saved" heir Dmitry Ioannovich. Having enlisted the support of part of the peasants, some detachments of Cossacks and boyars, False Dmitry, together with the Polish detachment, managed to gain a foothold in Moscow.
By this time, Boris Godunov had already died, his wife and son were killed as a result of a boyar conspiracy. The reign of the impostor was short-lived and was characterized by a course towards rapprochement with Poland and the implementation of many reforms that were not approved by all segments of the population. The confirmation of the decrees that enslaved the peasants, the wedding according to the Catholic custom - all this undermined the established image of the "correct" king and the hope for a better future under the new sovereign.
Another boyar conspiracy, organized by Vasily Shuisky, one of the most influential boyars, ended the reign of False Dmitry. Russia under Shuisky and the subsequent rule of the boyars (Seven Boyars) faced new peasant unrest (the uprising of Ivan Bolotnikov), as well as Polish-Swedish intervention.
As a result, Russia could not recover after the Time of Troubles for a long time. The first step towards the restoration of Russian statehood was taken in 1613, when Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected and invited to the kingdom at the Zemsky Sobor. The Time of Troubles ended only in 1618 after the signing of the Peace of Stolbovsky with Sweden and the Truce of Deulino with the Commonwealth.
The turmoil of the early 17th century is one of the darkest eras in the history of the Russian state. Numerous crises, instability of power and weakness in the political arena led to foreign invasions and the loss of some territories in the west and northwest of Russia. On the other hand, in the conditions of the Time of Troubles, it turned out that the country was able to withstand occupation, famine and a crisis of power, because in the end the members of the Zemsky Sobor came to a compromise and chose a new sovereign.
Essay on the historical period is the last task in the history exam. The student is given a choice of 3 historical periods, one of which should be written in a concise and understandable text according to the requirements. The requirements are quite simple, but the hysteria about the complexity of the exam every year brings more and more school graduates into a pre-depressive state. And, despite the simplicity of the exam, every applicant sooner or later raises his hands to the sky and asks in despair:
How, Lord? How to write an essay in the exam in history?
Very simple.
And we need to dance from the requirements specified in the exam itself. The demo version of the USE 2018, presented on the FIPI website, says the following:
The essay must:
- indicate at least two significant events (phenomena, processes) related to a given period of history;
- name two historical figures whose activities are associated with the indicated events (phenomena, processes), and, using the knowledge of historical facts, characterize the roles of the persons named by you in these events (phenomena, processes);
Attention! When characterizing the role of each person named by you, it is necessary to indicate the specific actions of this person that largely influenced the course and (or) result of the indicated events (processes, phenomena).
- indicate at least two cause-and-effect relationships that characterize the causes of the occurrence of events (phenomena, processes) that occurred in a given period;
- using knowledge of historical facts and (or) opinions of historians, to assess the impact of events (phenomena, processes) of a given period on the further history of Russia. In the course of the presentation, it is necessary to correctly use historical terms, concepts related to this period.
We collect the requirement into a single scheme and get the following:
where the arrow is the causal relationship.
You should start writing an essay by drawing up just such a scheme. It often happens that a historical period seems to be well known, but it is impossible to clearly distinguish 2 historical personalities with events and results of activity.
Therefore, first the scheme - then the text.
Let's take the next period - 1019-1054 and draw up a diagram according to it.
This is the reign Yaroslav the Wise and he will be the first character of our composition. The second character we will take Metropolitan Hilarion.
Now we should recall the events associated with these historical figures. It is important to take not just bright events, but those from which any consequence can be distinguished. Yaroslav let it be acceptance of Russian truth, the first set of laws. You can take a spare event - defeat of the Pechenegs.
From Illarion we will take the fact that he becomes the first Russian metropolitan and, as a fallback, writing "Words of Law and Grace"
Let's take a look at these events next. A consequence of the adoption of Russian truth can be called a successful fight against tribal traditions of blood feud And obtaining by the state some legal and legitimate status. The result of the defeat of the Pechenegs will be deliverance from a serious external threat and the construction of the Church of St. Sophia of Kiev.
Now Illarion. Consequence from the "Russian Metropolitan" - formation of an independent Russian Orthodox clergy. Consequence from the "Word" - rich contribution to religious and philosophical culture our wonderful country.
Hello! Andrey Puchkov is in touch.
Held another free webinar for everyone, where he explained the basic principles of how to write an essay on history. This task of the USE test number 25 causes the traditional difficulties of applicants. I have been preparing the guys for the Unified State Examination for a long time, already 9 years ago, and therefore I saw even the earliest versions of this task.
At that time, a historical essay was a historical portrait. At present, this task has become more adequate and consists of writing an essay on one of the four historical periods that are offered to the graduate.
How does everyone write a historical essay?
Usually students think that a historical essay is something like a final essay on literature in which you express your opinion. Just at the designated webinar, the guys broadcast such an understanding.
That is, everyone writes according to the usual scheme: introduction, main part, conclusion. As a result, the maximum that they gain is 4-5 points out of 11 possible ... Yes, yes, guys, 11 primary points are given for a historical essay in the test today. This is the fifth part of the whole work.
Why is the “school” method of writing such an essay estimated by experts at 4-5 points? Because such work does not meet the evaluation criteria at all. You can find them in the demo test itself, which can be downloaded from the FIPI website. That is why the way everyone writes an essay does not suit us - after all, we need maximum points!
How to write a history essay
As soon as I explained at the webinar that the essay on history for the USE 2018 must be completed according to a pre-planned plan, questions immediately hit. In one of them, a participant asked if there were any clichés in writing an essay? Roughly speaking, is there any template for its implementation?
My friends - if you start writing an essay according to a template, forget about high scores. First you need to learn how to write an essay according to a plan, and not according to a template. It is used only if the student cannot cope on his own. Then the teacher can make such a sample, with missing parts of the text. Such a sample is written by the teacher himself for a specific student, taking into account his mistakes and his misunderstanding. After all, one may not understand what the historical process is. Another will confuse historical events with historical phenomena.
Such a sample may include both the text of the essay itself and a plan prepared in advance by the teacher. In particular, we use this method in our USE preparation courses in history .
In general, the following scheme for completing task 25 was proposed at the webinar:
- We draw up a plan according to the model for a given historical period: that is, we prescribe the historical processes and events that made them up.
- Next, we write the text of the essay itself based on this plan.
- We write a conclusion in which we use either our own opinion about the period, or the positions of different historians.
A sample of a well-written essay you can
Remember that you need to constantly train to complete task 25 for maximum points. Moreover, you need to be constantly corrected by an experienced teacher. The guys in our courses are already writing essays using a more advanced method. And they write for 11 points out of 11 on the real exam.
The difference between the creative task and its significance for the student
Writing an essay on history contributes to the development of the student's personality, teaches them to develop their own opinion, a value judgment about a particular historical event, and to form value priorities.
An essay on history not only tests the author's knowledge of historical events, but also the ability to systematize information, present results in a free form, and understand the historical significance of events and phenomena.
Criteria for evaluating an essay on the exam
A historical essay is evaluated according to certain criteria, based on which several rules for writing an essay can be distinguished.
The essay must contain the following elements:
- more than two historical events or phenomena;
- two historical figures and their significance in a certain period;
- causal relationships between historical phenomena in a certain period;
- assessment of the significance of the historical period;
- correct use of concepts and terms on the subject.
What is a history essay
The first step in writing a historical essay is to choose a period in history and determine its features. At the beginning of the essay, one should indicate what characterizes this period, its specifics, and then select the relevant facts.
Historical facts
Facts in history are divided into historical and scientific-historical. The first are those that really took place in history, possessing objectivity and localization in time and space. Scientific and historical facts usually reflect the opinions of scientists, their conclusions about historical events, based on historical sources.
When selecting facts, it is necessary not only to list the events that took place in the described period, but to highlight the main, most significant events that fully correspond to and reflect the specifics of the period.
Estimated Knowledge
Further, it is required to reflect the evaluative knowledge about the subject, which is manifested in the knowledge of various scientific points of view, versions of the description of historical events and phenomena. When evaluating, the depth of the disclosure of the issue and the soundness of the judgments are taken into account.
Characteristics of a historical personality
One of the evaluation criteria is the description of a historical personality. However, to get a high score, a simple description of a person's activities, even a very detailed and detailed one, is not enough. The task is required to describe the role of these historical figures in a particular period, based on historical facts. The fulfillment of this particular requirement allows you to evaluate the essay according to this criterion for a higher score.
Causal relationships
The ability to identify causal relationships is also one of the criteria for a good historical essay. All historical events or phenomena give rise to other events and phenomena, and, at the same time, they themselves were born by certain events and phenomena. The student must be able to analyze facts, establish causes and effects, draw appropriate conclusions, which is indeed quite a complex mental work.
At the same time, an important role is played by the existing knowledge of all the facts related to the described period, their chronological sequence. It is necessary to build a logical scheme or a chain of events that are sequentially connected to each other. Most often it happens that an event provokes several reasons. In this case, it is necessary to be able to highlight the most significant events.
Typical mistakes:
- incorrect allocation of primary causes and the least important;
- substitution of the disclosure of the cause by the description of the fact;
- description of facts without comprehending cause-and-effect relationships.
Algorithm for writing an essay on history
The sequence of work on an essay on history, which will help to issue a high-quality essay, without missing important points.
Step 1. We choose a period.
Step 2 We confirm the correctness of the choice.
Step 3 Choose a name for the period that reflects its specifics.
Step 4 Determine the events related to this period; identify the most important and secondary.
Step 5 We recall historical figures whose activities relate to this period, their role and influence on the historical course of events.
Step 6 We identify the causes of events occurring in this period.
Step 7 We select the appropriate historical concepts and terms.
Step 8 We determine the historical facts that reveal the significance of the period, while using the opinions of scientists.
Step 9 Organize and organize information.
Step 10 We draw up a plan and write an essay in accordance with it:
Introduction (a brief description of the essence of the selected period);
Main part;
Conclusion (assessment of the significance of the period).
Step 11 Reviewing and editing essays.
HISTORY
Some features of an essay:
Purpose of the essay
Structure and outline of the essay
- introduction;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- conclusion.
HISTORY ESSAY TOPICS:
How to write a discourse text?
According to the purpose of the statement, texts are different: texts-messages, texts-descriptions and texts-reasoning. In the latter type of texts, people do not just express the course of their thoughts and defend their point of view.
Reasoning necessarily has cause and effect, evidence and explanation. If there is a need to create just such a text, then you should first learn about its structural features, which distinguish it from other types of texts.
When writing a reasoning text, it is very important:
Determine the logic of the text.
You need to be able to think logically and correctly build cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Work on the topic of the text.
The problem described should be interesting: do not dwell on those issues that have already been discussed a lot by others. There is no need to delve too deeply into philosophy and take on such topics as, for example, “which came first - the egg or the chicken”, since with such “problems” you risk writing a text about nothing. It is worth sitting down for reasoning if, on a problem of interest to many, you can offer a new vision that has not been described by anyone before.
3. Properly compose an introduction.
In this part of the text, just a few sentences will suffice, where problems, questions and judgments on these topics should be indicated. Here you can cite, for example, quotes and statements of famous people, but you should not abuse this. This part should be as informative as possible, but at the same time, as much as possible and as capacious as possible.
4. Think over the thesis of judgments.
Under the thesis is meant exactly the thought that you are considering in the text.
History Essay: Writing Basics, Outline and Examples
But one should not dwell on the problem in detail in the thesis, since all the main arguments and explanations will be in the text itself. There may be several theses, it all depends on how complex and deep the topic you have chosen.
5. Pick up arguments.
All judgments must be supported by serious and convincing arguments. It is worth remembering that a meager evidence base, as well as a pile of arguments, will not decorate the text. However, any conclusion drawn must be based on evidence. Here you can rely on both your own experience and the experience of famous personalities.
6. Make the right conclusion from judgments.
Such reasoning refers to those thoughts that follow from the analysis, evidence and argumentation of the described problem. But at the same time, one should not retell all of the above information - in this part, only the most basic should be singled out, while it is necessary to formulate thoughts in a more detailed form than the introduction requires.
7. Logically build the expressed thoughts.
It should be easy for anyone reading the reasoning in the text to follow the reasoning and reasoning to catch the pattern that led to certain conclusions.
HISTORY
An essay is a creative written work that reveals both the level of the author's knowledge of history from the factual side, and the author's inclination for a creative, scientific analysis of historical facts, phenomena and processes.
Some features of an essay:
having a specific topic or issue. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems, by definition, cannot be performed in the essay genre.
an essay expresses individual impressions and considerations on a specific occasion or issue and obviously does not claim to be a defining or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
as a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work can have a philosophical, historical-biographical, journalistic, literary-critical, popular science or purely fiction character.
This genre has become popular in recent years.
How to write an essay on history?
M. Montaigne ("Experiments", 1580) is considered the creator of the essay genre. Today, an essay is offered as a task quite often. It is one of the main components of the package of documents (for admission to an educational institution or employment). Essay contest helps to choose the best from the variety of the best!
Purpose of the essay consists in developing skills such as independent creative thinking and writing one's own thoughts.
Writing an essay is extremely useful, as it allows the author to learn how to clearly and competently formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight cause-and-effect relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and argue their conclusions.
Structure and outline of the essay
The structure is determined by the requirements:
the idea must be supported by evidence, so the thesis is followed by arguments.
Arguments are facts, phenomena of social life, events, life situations and life experience, scientific evidence, references to the opinions of scientists, etc. It is better to give two arguments in favor of each thesis: one argument seems unconvincing, three arguments can "overload" the presentation made in a genre focused on brevity and figurativeness.
Thus, the essay acquires a circular structure (the number of theses and arguments depends on the topic, the chosen plan, the logic of thought development):
- introduction;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- conclusion.
When writing an essay on history, it is highly recommended to:
Completely and accurately state the historical facts related to the chosen topic, and strive to comprehensively reveal it.
Accurately name the dates and places of historical events, the names and social status of historical figures.
Competently use scientific historical concepts and terms.
Highlight causal relationships between historical events, phenomena and processes, state them strictly in accordance with these causal relationships;
Start the presentation of the chosen topic with a brief introductory part (statements, characteristics of the analyzed historical problem), present the main content logically and consistently, complete the essay with a brief conclusion (substantiated conclusions).
The volume of the essay is up to 3 pages of printed text (14 font, single spacing).
HISTORY ESSAY TOPICS:
The adoption of Orthodox Christianity in Russia: the right choice or miscalculation (through the prism of time)?
Moscow is the center of the collection of Russian lands: an accident or a regularity?
"Trouble" in Russia: a civil war or a struggle for the Moscow throne between separate groups?
Peter's transformations: modernization of Russia or retreat from the original "Russian" path?
Catherine the Great: an "enlightened" empress or an avid serf-owner?
Liberal reforms of the 1860s-70s: regularity or revolution "from above"?
Stolypin's reforms: an attempt to modernize the country or to preserve the existing system?
October 1917: socialist revolution or coup d'état?
I.V. Stalin: the "leader" of the nation or a tyrant?
"Perestroika" in the USSR: an objective necessity or the implementation of the plans of a separate group of politicians?
Task number 25 in the exam in history.
Algorithm for writing a historical essay:
to characterize the period of Russian history;
indicate at least two events (phenomena, processes) relating to a given period of history;
name two historical figures whose activities are associated with the indicated events (phenomena, processes);
using knowledge of historical facts, characterize the role of these personalities in the events (phenomena, processes) of a given period in the history of Russia;
indicate at least two causal relationships that existed between events (phenomena, processes) within a given period of history.
using knowledge of historical facts and (or) opinions of historians, give one historical assessment of the significance of this period for the history of Russia;
in the course of the presentation, it is necessary to use historical terms, concepts related to a given period in the history of Russia.
In preparation for task number 25, it is necessary to work out the proposed periods:
When checking the essay, the criteria from the demo version are used:
In the case when historical events (phenomena, processes) are not indicated or all specified historical events (phenomena, processes) do not belong to the selected period, the answer is scored 0 points (0 points are assigned for each of the criteria K1–K7).
Evaluation criteria.
Essay on History: Examples, Topics, Outline
K1 Indication of events (phenomena, processes) 2
Two events (phenomena, processes) are correctly indicated 2
One event (phenomenon, process) is correctly indicated 1
Events (phenomena, processes) are not specified or specified incorrectly 0
K2 Historical figures and their role in this period of Russian history 2
Two historical figures are correctly indicated, the role of these personalities in the events (phenomena, processes) of a given period in the history of Russia is correctly indicated 2
One or two historical figures are correctly indicated, the role of only one person in the events (phenomena, processes) of a given period of Russian history is correctly indicated 1
One or two historical figures are correctly indicated, their role in the events (phenomena, processes) of this period of Russian history is indicated incorrectly. OR One or two historical figures are correctly indicated, their role in the events (phenomena, processes) of this period of Russian history is not indicated. OR Historical figures are incorrect. OR Historical figures not specified 0
K3 Causal relationships 2
Correctly indicated two causal relationships that existed between events (phenomena, processes) 2
One causal relationship that existed between events (phenomena, processes) is correctly indicated 1
Causal relationships are incorrect. OR Causal relationship not stated 0
K4 Historical assessment of events 1
A historical assessment of the significance of the period is given based on historical facts and (or) the opinions of historians 1
The historical assessment is formulated in a general form or at the level of ordinary ideas, without involving historical facts and (or) the opinions of historians. OR No historical estimate given 0
K5 Use of historical terms, concepts 1
Historical terms, concepts 1
In the presentation, the incorrect use of historical terms and concepts was allowed. OR
Historical terms, concepts not used 0
K6 Presence of factual errors 2
1 or 2 points according to the K6 criterion can be set only if at least 4 points are given according to the K1-K4 criteria.
When evaluating according to the K6 criterion, errors taken into account when scoring according to the K1–K5 criteria are not counted
There are no factual errors in the historical essay 2
One factual error was made 1
Two or more factual errors were made 0
K7 Presentation Form 1
1 point according to the K7 criterion can be set only if at least 4 points are given according to the K1-K4 criteria
The answer is presented in the form of a historical essay (consistent, coherent presentation of the material) 1
The answer is presented in the form of separate fragmentary provisions 0
Maximum score - 11
HISTORY
An essay is a creative written work that reveals both the level of the author's knowledge of history from the factual side, and the author's inclination for a creative, scientific analysis of historical facts, phenomena and processes.
Some features of an essay:
having a specific topic or issue. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems, by definition, cannot be performed in the essay genre.
an essay expresses individual impressions and considerations on a specific occasion or issue and obviously does not claim to be a defining or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
as a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work can have a philosophical, historical-biographical, journalistic, literary-critical, popular science or purely fiction character.
This genre has become popular in recent years. M. Montaigne ("Experiments", 1580) is considered the creator of the essay genre.
5 tricks for writing a history essay
Today, an essay is offered as a task quite often. It is one of the main components of the package of documents (for admission to an educational institution or employment). Essay contest helps to choose the best from the variety of the best!
Purpose of the essay consists in developing skills such as independent creative thinking and writing one's own thoughts.
Writing an essay is extremely useful, as it allows the author to learn how to clearly and competently formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight cause-and-effect relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and argue their conclusions.
Structure and outline of the essay
The structure is determined by the requirements:
the idea must be supported by evidence, so the thesis is followed by arguments.
Arguments are facts, phenomena of social life, events, life situations and life experience, scientific evidence, references to the opinions of scientists, etc. It is better to give two arguments in favor of each thesis: one argument seems unconvincing, three arguments can "overload" the presentation made in a genre focused on brevity and figurativeness.
Thus, the essay acquires a circular structure (the number of theses and arguments depends on the topic, the chosen plan, the logic of thought development):
- introduction;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- thesis, arguments;
- conclusion.
When writing an essay on history, it is highly recommended to:
Completely and accurately state the historical facts related to the chosen topic, and strive to comprehensively reveal it.
Accurately name the dates and places of historical events, the names and social status of historical figures.
Competently use scientific historical concepts and terms.
Highlight causal relationships between historical events, phenomena and processes, state them strictly in accordance with these causal relationships;
Start the presentation of the chosen topic with a brief introductory part (statements, characteristics of the analyzed historical problem), present the main content logically and consistently, complete the essay with a brief conclusion (substantiated conclusions).
The volume of the essay is up to 3 pages of printed text (14 font, single spacing).
HISTORY ESSAY TOPICS:
The adoption of Orthodox Christianity in Russia: the right choice or miscalculation (through the prism of time)?
Moscow is the center of the collection of Russian lands: an accident or a regularity?
"Trouble" in Russia: a civil war or a struggle for the Moscow throne between separate groups?
Peter's transformations: modernization of Russia or retreat from the original "Russian" path?
Catherine the Great: an "enlightened" empress or an avid serf-owner?
Liberal reforms of the 1860s-70s: regularity or revolution "from above"?
Stolypin's reforms: an attempt to modernize the country or to preserve the existing system?
October 1917: socialist revolution or coup d'état?
I.V. Stalin: the "leader" of the nation or a tyrant?
"Perestroika" in the USSR: an objective necessity or the implementation of the plans of a separate group of politicians?
Lecture Search
Cliches recommended for use when writing an essay on history
An essay is a kind of essay in which the main role is played not by the reproduction of a fact, but by the image of impressions, reflections, associations. The author's position, attitude should be clearly traced (especially in the main part).
Algorithm for writing an essay on history
I. Introduction
Describe the general situation in the state at the beginning of the period, indicate what tasks it faced, rewrite the main events and phenomena that took place during this time (“1. General characteristics of the period“)
II. Main part
1. Indicate the historical process (event, phenomenon) of the period that you intend to consider in more detail (“3. Phenomenon, process“)
2. Expand the causes and factors that influenced its development (“5. Causes of the phenomenon, process“)
3. Describe the participation of a historical figure in this process and, based on historical facts, reveal his role in this process (phenomenon, event), indicating specific actions, steps, and his influence on the changes taking place.
4. Draw a conclusion about the nature, consequences of this historical process for the development of the state, indicate various aspects of the life of society in which changes have occurred under the influence of this process, indicate its historical significance (“6. Result, value“)
5. Repeat steps 1-4 based on the completed diagram to describe the second historical process (event, phenomenon).
III. Conclusion
Based on the facts, draw a conclusion about the place of the period in the history of the state. Indicate which tasks you mentioned in the introductory part of the essay were successfully or not solved, what were the consequences of the events that took place.
Give the opinions and assessments of historians known to you on this period and give your own assessment, confirming your conclusions with historical facts.
IV. Examination
After writing the essay, check the dates and names indicated in it for factual errors. Pay attention to the need for the correct use of terms. Check the prepared text using the evaluation criteria.
- This period of Russian history is characterized by...
- Key events of this period…..
- Activity played a big role (name of historical figure)
- A bright historical personality of this period ... ..
- Historians have different opinions...
- This period played a key role in the further development of Russian history….
- ___ (required period) is the reign of ___. This king (prince, ruler) carried out many transformations of ___. I will name the most important of them.
- Event (phenomenon, process) No. 1 + result.
- Event (phenomenon, process) No. 2 + result.
- The historical personality associated with this event (phenomenon, process), and its role.
- Let's consider what causal relationships exist between these events (phenomena, processes) during the reign of ___. Both events - ___ and ___ - were dictated by common causes: ___.
- The results of these events (that is, their consequence) were ___, ___, ___.
- ___ rules for a long time - ___ years. His reign cannot be unequivocally assessed.
- On the one side, ___.
- But in other way, ___.
- The figure ___ itself is also ambiguously assessed by domestic and foreign historians of both the past and the present. The image of ___ in historiography is rather contradictory.
- The reign of ___ as a whole became the period of ___.
The essay must:
ü indicate at least two significant events (phenomena, processes) related to a given period of history;
ü name two historical figures whose activities are connected with the indicated events (phenomena, processes), and, using knowledge of historical facts, characterize the role of the personalities you named in these events (phenomena, processes);
ü - indicate at least two cause-and-effect relationships that existed between events (phenomena, processes) within a given period of history.
ü Using knowledge of historical facts and (or) opinions of historians, give one assessment of the significance of this period for the history of Russia. In the course of the presentation, it is necessary to correctly use historical terms, concepts related to this period.
ü In the case when historical events (phenomena, processes) are not indicated or all specified historical events (phenomena, processes) do not belong to the selected period, the answer is rated 0 points
| Evaluation criteria | Points | |
| K1 | Indication of events (phenomena, processes) | |
| Two events (phenomena, processes) are correctly indicated | ||
| One event (phenomenon, process) is correctly indicated | ||
| Events (phenomena, processes) are not specified or specified incorrectly | ||
| K2 | Historical personalities and their role in the indicated events (phenomena, processes) of a given period of history | |
| Two historical personalities are correctly named, the role of these personalities in the indicated events (phenomena, processes) of this period of Russian history is correctly characterized | ||
| One or two historical figures are correctly named, the role of only one personality in the indicated events (phenomena, processes) of a given period of Russian history is correctly characterized | ||
One or two historical figures are correctly named, their role in the indicated events (phenomena, processes) of this period of Russian history is characterized incorrectly. History essay exampleOR One or two historical figures are correctly named, their role in the indicated events (phenomena, processes) of this period of Russian history is not characterized. OR Reasoning of a general nature that does not meet the requirements of the task is given. OR Historical figures are incorrectly named. OR No historical figures named |
||
| K3 | Causal relationships | |
| Correctly indicated two causal relationships that existed between events (phenomena, processes) | ||
| One causal relationship that existed between events (phenomena, processes) is correctly indicated | ||
| Causal relationships are incorrect. OR Causal relationship not stated | ||
| K4 | Estimation of the significance of the period for the history of Russia | |
| An assessment of the significance of the period for the history of Russia is given based on historical facts and (or) the opinions of historians | ||
| The assessment of the significance of the period for the history of Russia is formulated in a general form or at the level of everyday ideas, without involving historical facts and (or) the opinions of historians. OR Estimation of the value of the period for the history of Russia is not given | ||
| K5 | Use of historical terminology | |
| Historical terminology is correctly used in the presentation | ||
| All historical terms and concepts are used incorrectly. OR Historical terms, concepts not used | ||
| K6 | There are factual errors. 1 or 2 points according to the K6 criterion can be set only if at least 4 points are given according to the K1-K4 criteria | |
| There are no factual errors in the historical essay | ||
| One factual error | ||
| Two or more factual errors were made | ||
| K 7 | Presentation form. 1 point according to the K7 criterion can be set only if at least 4 points are given according to the K1-K4 criteria | |
| The answer is presented in the form of a historical essay (consistent, coherent presentation of the material) | ||
| The answer is presented in the form of separate fragmentary provisions. | ||
| Maximum score |
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