Fill out the rest of your FRQ on the Renaissance prompt

To what degree was the Renaissance a break from the High Middle Ages politically, socially, and artistically?

Now that you have a beautiful thesis, intro, and conclusion the next step is to fill out your body paragraphs. At this point you have the evidence for the body paragraphs and you now need to clothe the evidence in persuasive argument. Your thesis is your general argument and the clothed evidence clearly supports your thesis.

To do this effectively, each body paragraph needs to begin with an introductory sentence setting the stage for what you will be arguing for in that particular paragraph. The first body paragraph's intro sentence can be quite simple (think of it as a sub-thesis). However, the next two paragraphs also need to also create a metaphorical bridge between what you argued in the previous paragraph with that of your new paragraph (i.e. how does the political lead to the social?).

Be sure your arguments are tight and concise. Being verbose is not a positive trait in historical writing (or for that matter in any writing unless you are getting paid by the page). Provide as many specific pieces of evidence as you can; avoid any vague, unhelpful language. Stay on task and do not stray. Don't use the first person.

One more important aspect: nuance. The temptation is to make your argument really simplistic and overgeneralized. A strong essay demonstrates nuance and subtlety of thought. If you are arguing for a particular point, don't be afraid to draw in conflicting evidence; show how the argument is not water tight but represents a general trend to which there are exceptions.

I am confident you all will get this and start nailing your essays. Know this an art and a process. If you don't write perfectly to begin, that is expected and ok. Give yourself grace.

If you have any questions, please ask.