how to start an essay for social studies

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, condition, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate  key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity. A case study research paper usually examines a single subject of analysis, but case study papers can also be designed as a comparative investigation that shows relationships between two or more subjects. The methods used to study a case can rest within a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method investigative paradigm.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010 ; “What is a Case Study?” In Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London: SAGE, 2010.

How to Approach Writing a Case Study Research Paper

General information about how to choose a topic to investigate can be found under the " Choosing a Research Problem " tab in the Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper writing guide. Review this page because it may help you identify a subject of analysis that can be investigated using a case study design.

However, identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem . A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions. As Seawright and Gerring note, practical considerations such as time and access to information can influence case selection, but these issues should not be the sole factors used in describing the methodological justification for identifying a particular case to study. Given this, selecting a case includes considering the following:

• The case represents an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? Cases often represent a topic that rests on the fringes of prior investigations because the case may provide new ways of understanding the research problem. For example, if the research problem is to identify strategies to improve policies that support girl's access to secondary education in predominantly Muslim nations, you could consider using Azerbaijan as a case study rather than selecting a more obvious nation in the Middle East. Doing so may reveal important new insights into recommending how governments in other predominantly Muslim nations can formulate policies that support improved access to education for girls.
• The case provides important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem? In-depth analysis of a case can be based on the hypothesis that the case study will reveal trends or issues that have not been exposed in prior research or will reveal new and important implications for practice. For example, anecdotal evidence may suggest drug use among homeless veterans is related to their patterns of travel throughout the day. Assuming prior studies have not looked at individual travel choices as a way to study access to illicit drug use, a case study that observes a homeless veteran could reveal how issues of personal mobility choices facilitate regular access to illicit drugs. Note that it is important to conduct a thorough literature review to ensure that your assumption about the need to reveal new insights or previously hidden problems is valid and evidence-based.
• The case challenges and offers a counter-point to prevailing assumptions? Over time, research on any given topic can fall into a trap of developing assumptions based on outdated studies that are still applied to new or changing conditions or the idea that something should simply be accepted as "common sense," even though the issue has not been thoroughly tested in current practice. A case study analysis may offer an opportunity to gather evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions about a research problem and provide a new set of recommendations applied to practice that have not been tested previously. For example, perhaps there has been a long practice among scholars to apply a particular theory in explaining the relationship between two subjects of analysis. Your case could challenge this assumption by applying an innovative theoretical framework [perhaps borrowed from another discipline] to explore whether this approach offers new ways of understanding the research problem. Taking a contrarian stance is one of the most important ways that new knowledge and understanding develops from existing literature.
• The case provides an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem? Another way to think about choosing a case to study is to consider how the results from investigating a particular case may result in findings that reveal ways in which to resolve an existing or emerging problem. For example, studying the case of an unforeseen incident, such as a fatal accident at a railroad crossing, can reveal hidden issues that could be applied to preventative measures that contribute to reducing the chance of accidents in the future. In this example, a case study investigating the accident could lead to a better understanding of where to strategically locate additional signals at other railroad crossings so as to better warn drivers of an approaching train, particularly when visibility is hindered by heavy rain, fog, or at night.
• The case offers a new direction in future research? A case study can be used as a tool for an exploratory investigation that highlights the need for further research about the problem. A case can be used when there are few studies that help predict an outcome or that establish a clear understanding about how best to proceed in addressing a problem. For example, after conducting a thorough literature review [very important!], you discover that little research exists showing the ways in which women contribute to promoting water conservation in rural communities of east central Africa. A case study of how women contribute to saving water in a rural village of Uganda can lay the foundation for understanding the need for more thorough research that documents how women in their roles as cooks and family caregivers think about water as a valuable resource within their community. This example of a case study could also point to the need for scholars to build new theoretical frameworks around the topic [e.g., applying feminist theories of work and family to the issue of water conservation].

Eisenhardt, Kathleen M. “Building Theories from Case Study Research.” Academy of Management Review 14 (October 1989): 532-550; Emmel, Nick. Sampling and Choosing Cases in Qualitative Research: A Realist Approach . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2013; Gerring, John. “What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?” American Political Science Review 98 (May 2004): 341-354; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Seawright, Jason and John Gerring. "Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research." Political Research Quarterly 61 (June 2008): 294-308.

Structure and Writing Style

The purpose of a paper in the social sciences designed around a case study is to thoroughly investigate a subject of analysis in order to reveal a new understanding about the research problem and, in so doing, contributing new knowledge to what is already known from previous studies. In applied social sciences disciplines [e.g., education, social work, public administration, etc.], case studies may also be used to reveal best practices, highlight key programs, or investigate interesting aspects of professional work.

In general, the structure of a case study research paper is not all that different from a standard college-level research paper. However, there are subtle differences you should be aware of. Here are the key elements to organizing and writing a case study research paper.

I.  Introduction

As with any research paper, your introduction should serve as a roadmap for your readers to ascertain the scope and purpose of your study . The introduction to a case study research paper, however, should not only describe the research problem and its significance, but you should also succinctly describe why the case is being used and how it relates to addressing the problem. The two elements should be linked. With this in mind, a good introduction answers these four questions:

• What is being studied? Describe the research problem and describe the subject of analysis [the case] you have chosen to address the problem. Explain how they are linked and what elements of the case will help to expand knowledge and understanding about the problem.
• Why is this topic important to investigate? Describe the significance of the research problem and state why a case study design and the subject of analysis that the paper is designed around is appropriate in addressing the problem.
• What did we know about this topic before I did this study? Provide background that helps lead the reader into the more in-depth literature review to follow. If applicable, summarize prior case study research applied to the research problem and why it fails to adequately address the problem. Describe why your case will be useful. If no prior case studies have been used to address the research problem, explain why you have selected this subject of analysis.
• How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of understanding? Explain why your case study will be suitable in helping to expand knowledge and understanding about the research problem.

Each of these questions should be addressed in no more than a few paragraphs. Exceptions to this can be when you are addressing a complex research problem or subject of analysis that requires more in-depth background information.

II.  Literature Review

The literature review for a case study research paper is generally structured the same as it is for any college-level research paper. The difference, however, is that the literature review is focused on providing background information and  enabling historical interpretation of the subject of analysis in relation to the research problem the case is intended to address . This includes synthesizing studies that help to:

• Place relevant works in the context of their contribution to understanding the case study being investigated . This would involve summarizing studies that have used a similar subject of analysis to investigate the research problem. If there is literature using the same or a very similar case to study, you need to explain why duplicating past research is important [e.g., conditions have changed; prior studies were conducted long ago, etc.].
• Describe the relationship each work has to the others under consideration that informs the reader why this case is applicable . Your literature review should include a description of any works that support using the case to investigate the research problem and the underlying research questions.
• Identify new ways to interpret prior research using the case study . If applicable, review any research that has examined the research problem using a different research design. Explain how your use of a case study design may reveal new knowledge or a new perspective or that can redirect research in an important new direction.
• Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies . This refers to synthesizing any literature that points to unresolved issues of concern about the research problem and describing how the subject of analysis that forms the case study can help resolve these existing contradictions.
• Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research . Your review should examine any literature that lays a foundation for understanding why your case study design and the subject of analysis around which you have designed your study may reveal a new way of approaching the research problem or offer a perspective that points to the need for additional research.
• Expose any gaps that exist in the literature that the case study could help to fill . Summarize any literature that not only shows how your subject of analysis contributes to understanding the research problem, but how your case contributes to a new way of understanding the problem that prior research has failed to do.
• Locate your own research within the context of existing literature [very important!] . Collectively, your literature review should always place your case study within the larger domain of prior research about the problem. The overarching purpose of reviewing pertinent literature in a case study paper is to demonstrate that you have thoroughly identified and synthesized prior studies in relation to explaining the relevance of the case in addressing the research problem.

III.  Method

In this section, you explain why you selected a particular case [i.e., subject of analysis] and the strategy you used to identify and ultimately decide that your case was appropriate in addressing the research problem. The way you describe the methods used varies depending on the type of subject of analysis that constitutes your case study.

If your subject of analysis is an incident or event . In the social and behavioral sciences, the event or incident that represents the case to be studied is usually bounded by time and place, with a clear beginning and end and with an identifiable location or position relative to its surroundings. The subject of analysis can be a rare or critical event or it can focus on a typical or regular event. The purpose of studying a rare event is to illuminate new ways of thinking about the broader research problem or to test a hypothesis. Critical incident case studies must describe the method by which you identified the event and explain the process by which you determined the validity of this case to inform broader perspectives about the research problem or to reveal new findings. However, the event does not have to be a rare or uniquely significant to support new thinking about the research problem or to challenge an existing hypothesis. For example, Walo, Bull, and Breen conducted a case study to identify and evaluate the direct and indirect economic benefits and costs of a local sports event in the City of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. The purpose of their study was to provide new insights from measuring the impact of a typical local sports event that prior studies could not measure well because they focused on large "mega-events." Whether the event is rare or not, the methods section should include an explanation of the following characteristics of the event: a) when did it take place; b) what were the underlying circumstances leading to the event; and, c) what were the consequences of the event in relation to the research problem.

If your subject of analysis is a person. Explain why you selected this particular individual to be studied and describe what experiences they have had that provide an opportunity to advance new understandings about the research problem. Mention any background about this person which might help the reader understand the significance of their experiences that make them worthy of study. This includes describing the relationships this person has had with other people, institutions, and/or events that support using them as the subject for a case study research paper. It is particularly important to differentiate the person as the subject of analysis from others and to succinctly explain how the person relates to examining the research problem [e.g., why is one politician in a particular local election used to show an increase in voter turnout from any other candidate running in the election]. Note that these issues apply to a specific group of people used as a case study unit of analysis [e.g., a classroom of students].

If your subject of analysis is a place. In general, a case study that investigates a place suggests a subject of analysis that is unique or special in some way and that this uniqueness can be used to build new understanding or knowledge about the research problem. A case study of a place must not only describe its various attributes relevant to the research problem [e.g., physical, social, historical, cultural, economic, political], but you must state the method by which you determined that this place will illuminate new understandings about the research problem. It is also important to articulate why a particular place as the case for study is being used if similar places also exist [i.e., if you are studying patterns of homeless encampments of veterans in open spaces, explain why you are studying Echo Park in Los Angeles rather than Griffith Park?]. If applicable, describe what type of human activity involving this place makes it a good choice to study [e.g., prior research suggests Echo Park has more homeless veterans].

If your subject of analysis is a phenomenon. A phenomenon refers to a fact, occurrence, or circumstance that can be studied or observed but with the cause or explanation to be in question. In this sense, a phenomenon that forms your subject of analysis can encompass anything that can be observed or presumed to exist but is not fully understood. In the social and behavioral sciences, the case usually focuses on human interaction within a complex physical, social, economic, cultural, or political system. For example, the phenomenon could be the observation that many vehicles used by ISIS fighters are small trucks with English language advertisements on them. The research problem could be that ISIS fighters are difficult to combat because they are highly mobile. The research questions could be how and by what means are these vehicles used by ISIS being supplied to the militants and how might supply lines to these vehicles be cut off? How might knowing the suppliers of these trucks reveal larger networks of collaborators and financial support? A case study of a phenomenon most often encompasses an in-depth analysis of a cause and effect that is grounded in an interactive relationship between people and their environment in some way.

NOTE:   The choice of the case or set of cases to study cannot appear random. Evidence that supports the method by which you identified and chose your subject of analysis should clearly support investigation of the research problem and linked to key findings from your literature review. Be sure to cite any studies that helped you determine that the case you chose was appropriate for examining the problem.

IV.  Discussion

The main elements of your discussion section are generally the same as any research paper, but centered around interpreting and drawing conclusions about the key findings from your analysis of the case study. Note that a general social sciences research paper may contain a separate section to report findings. However, in a paper designed around a case study, it is common to combine a description of the results with the discussion about their implications. The objectives of your discussion section should include the following:

Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings Briefly reiterate the research problem you are investigating and explain why the subject of analysis around which you designed the case study were used. You should then describe the findings revealed from your study of the case using direct, declarative, and succinct proclamation of the study results. Highlight any findings that were unexpected or especially profound.

Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important Systematically explain the meaning of your case study findings and why you believe they are important. Begin this part of the section by repeating what you consider to be your most important or surprising finding first, then systematically review each finding. Be sure to thoroughly extrapolate what your analysis of the case can tell the reader about situations or conditions beyond the actual case that was studied while, at the same time, being careful not to misconstrue or conflate a finding that undermines the external validity of your conclusions.

Relate the Findings to Similar Studies No study in the social sciences is so novel or possesses such a restricted focus that it has absolutely no relation to previously published research. The discussion section should relate your case study results to those found in other studies, particularly if questions raised from prior studies served as the motivation for choosing your subject of analysis. This is important because comparing and contrasting the findings of other studies helps support the overall importance of your results and it highlights how and in what ways your case study design and the subject of analysis differs from prior research about the topic.

Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings Remember that the purpose of social science research is to discover and not to prove. When writing the discussion section, you should carefully consider all possible explanations revealed by the case study results, rather than just those that fit your hypothesis or prior assumptions and biases. Be alert to what the in-depth analysis of the case may reveal about the research problem, including offering a contrarian perspective to what scholars have stated in prior research if that is how the findings can be interpreted from your case.

Acknowledge the Study's Limitations You can state the study's limitations in the conclusion section of your paper but describing the limitations of your subject of analysis in the discussion section provides an opportunity to identify the limitations and explain why they are not significant. This part of the discussion section should also note any unanswered questions or issues your case study could not address. More detailed information about how to document any limitations to your research can be found here .

Suggest Areas for Further Research Although your case study may offer important insights about the research problem, there are likely additional questions related to the problem that remain unanswered or findings that unexpectedly revealed themselves as a result of your in-depth analysis of the case. Be sure that the recommendations for further research are linked to the research problem and that you explain why your recommendations are valid in other contexts and based on the original assumptions of your study.

V.  Conclusion

As with any research paper, you should summarize your conclusion in clear, simple language; emphasize how the findings from your case study differs from or supports prior research and why. Do not simply reiterate the discussion section. Provide a synthesis of key findings presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem. If you haven't already done so in the discussion section, be sure to document the limitations of your case study and any need for further research.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to: 1) reiterate the main argument supported by the findings from your case study; 2) state clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem using a case study design in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found from reviewing the literature; and, 3) provide a place to persuasively and succinctly restate the significance of your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with in-depth information about the topic.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

• If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize these points for your reader.
• If prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the conclusion of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
• Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration of the case study's findings that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from your case study findings.

Note that, depending on the discipline you are writing in or the preferences of your professor, the concluding paragraph may contain your final reflections on the evidence presented as it applies to practice or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the subject of analysis you have investigated will depend on whether you are explicitly asked to express your observations in this way.

Problems to Avoid

Overgeneralization One of the goals of a case study is to lay a foundation for understanding broader trends and issues applied to similar circumstances. However, be careful when drawing conclusions from your case study. They must be evidence-based and grounded in the results of the study; otherwise, it is merely speculation. Looking at a prior example, it would be incorrect to state that a factor in improving girls access to education in Azerbaijan and the policy implications this may have for improving access in other Muslim nations is due to girls access to social media if there is no documentary evidence from your case study to indicate this. There may be anecdotal evidence that retention rates were better for girls who were engaged with social media, but this observation would only point to the need for further research and would not be a definitive finding if this was not a part of your original research agenda.

Failure to Document Limitations No case is going to reveal all that needs to be understood about a research problem. Therefore, just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study , you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis. For example, the case of studying how women conceptualize the need for water conservation in a village in Uganda could have limited application in other cultural contexts or in areas where fresh water from rivers or lakes is plentiful and, therefore, conservation is understood more in terms of managing access rather than preserving access to a scarce resource.

Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings. If you do not, your reader may question the validity of your analysis, particularly if you failed to document an obvious outcome from your case study research. For example, in the case of studying the accident at the railroad crossing to evaluate where and what types of warning signals should be located, you failed to take into consideration speed limit signage as well as warning signals. When designing your case study, be sure you have thoroughly addressed all aspects of the problem and do not leave gaps in your analysis that leave the reader questioning the results.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Gerring, John. Case Study Research: Principles and Practices . New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007; Merriam, Sharan B. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education . Rev. ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1998; Miller, Lisa L. “The Use of Case Studies in Law and Social Science Research.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 14 (2018): TBD; Mills, Albert J., Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Putney, LeAnn Grogan. "Case Study." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010), pp. 116-120; Simons, Helen. Case Study Research in Practice . London: SAGE Publications, 2009;  Kratochwill,  Thomas R. and Joel R. Levin, editors. Single-Case Research Design and Analysis: New Development for Psychology and Education .  Hilldsale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1992; Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London : SAGE, 2010; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Los Angeles, CA, SAGE Publications, 2014; Walo, Maree, Adrian Bull, and Helen Breen. “Achieving Economic Benefits at Local Events: A Case Study of a Local Sports Event.” Festival Management and Event Tourism 4 (1996): 95-106.

Writing Tip

At Least Five Misconceptions about Case Study Research

Social science case studies are often perceived as limited in their ability to create new knowledge because they are not randomly selected and findings cannot be generalized to larger populations. Flyvbjerg examines five misunderstandings about case study research and systematically "corrects" each one. To quote, these are:

Misunderstanding 1 :  General, theoretical [context-independent] knowledge is more valuable than concrete, practical [context-dependent] knowledge. Misunderstanding 2 :  One cannot generalize on the basis of an individual case; therefore, the case study cannot contribute to scientific development. Misunderstanding 3 :  The case study is most useful for generating hypotheses; that is, in the first stage of a total research process, whereas other methods are more suitable for hypotheses testing and theory building. Misunderstanding 4 :  The case study contains a bias toward verification, that is, a tendency to confirm the researcher’s preconceived notions. Misunderstanding 5 :  It is often difficult to summarize and develop general propositions and theories on the basis of specific case studies [p. 221].

While writing your paper, think introspectively about how you addressed these misconceptions because to do so can help you strengthen the validity and reliability of your research by clarifying issues of case selection, the testing and challenging of existing assumptions, the interpretation of key findings, and the summation of case outcomes. Think of a case study research paper as a complete, in-depth narrative about the specific properties and key characteristics of your subject of analysis applied to the research problem.

Flyvbjerg, Bent. “Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research.” Qualitative Inquiry 12 (April 2006): 219-245.

• << Previous: Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Next: Writing a Field Report >>
• Last Updated: Mar 6, 2024 1:00 PM
• URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments

The Critical Turkey

Essay Writing Hacks for the Social Sciences

What Should Be in a Social Science Essay? Fundamentals and Essential Techniques

This blogpost is also available as a PDF download , so it can be stored on your desktop and used as a checklist before submitting your essay.

The following is a condensed overview of the most important features of social science essay writing. Its aim is to cut through the noise, and focus on the most essential (and important) elements of essay writing. Read it carefully, and use it as a check-list once you have completed your essay.

Before we get into the details, however, be aware: The purpose of writing essays in the social and political sciences is not so much to just demonstrate your knowledge. Rather, it is about applying this knowledge, using it to make a well-informed, well-reasoned, independently-reflected argument that is based on verified (and verifiable) evidence. What should be in an essay, and how you should write it, is all informed by this purpose.

What’s in an Essay?

The main focus of an academic essay, article or book is to address a research or essay question. Therefore, make sure you have read the essay question carefully, think about what aspects of the topic you need to address, and organize the essay accordingly. Your essay should have three parts:

• Introduction
• Provide context to the question. Be specific (not ‘since the dawn of time, social scientists have been arguing…’, but ‘one of the key debates in the study of revolutions revolves around…’, ideally providing references to the key authors of said debate).
• It is almost always a good idea to formulate an argument – an arguable statement – in relation to the essay question (e.g. if the question is ‘Evaluate Weber and Marx’s accounts of capitalism’, an argument could be ‘I am going to argue that Weber is most insightful on X, but Marx is important for Y’). This builds a nice critical element into your essay, your own take on things, going beyond merely describing what others have written.
• Essay plan: Tell the reader about the points you are going to cover, and the order in which you are going to do this (e.g. ‘First, the essay looks at…, second… third…’ etc.). Think of it as a roadmap to the essay.
• Define key concepts as necessary for understanding. Do not use general dictionaries, as they often contain notions that social scientists try to challenge. Use definitions from the readings, and from sociological dictionaries.
• Length: Intro should be between 5 to 10%, and no more than about 10 per cent of the overall word count.
• Main Part / Body
• The structure of the essay body is informed by the research/essay question: What points do you need to include in order to address the question? What sub-questions are there to the big question? Concentrate on the ‘need-to-knows’ rather than the ‘nice-to-knows’ .
• The order in which you arrange these points depends on what makes the most convincing line of argument. This depends on the essay question, but as a rule of thumb you want to build up your argument, from the basics to the more elaborate points, from the weaker to the stronger, from what contradicts your argument to what supports it.
• The different points should be addressed in appropriate depth. Make sure you explain not just what something is, but also how it works, and use examples and illustration.
• There should be a coherent thread running through the essay and connecting the various points to one another and the overall argument. Indicate these connections in strategic places with appropriate signposting. These signpostings should also help you develop your argument as you proceed.
• Excellent essays often raise counter-arguments to the argument presented, and then provide arguments against those counter-arguments. Think about why and how someone might disagree about what you are saying, and how you would respond to them.
• Use peer-reviewed academic sources and present evidence for the points you make, using references, reliable statistics, examples etc. Any opinion you express should be built on reliable evidence and good reasoning.
• What, finally, is your answer to the question? Bring the various strings of the essay together, summarize them briefly in the context of the essay question, and round off by connecting to the bigger discussion that the essay question is part of. It is usually a good idea to have a differentiated conclusion, in which you e.g. agree with a statement to a certain extent or under specific circumstances (and explain which and why), but disagree with some other aspects of it, rather than making undifferentiated black-or-white statements. You can also contextualise your argument with your ideas from the introduction. It is normally not a good idea to introduce new material in the conclusion. You are wrapping up here, and rounding off, not starting new discussions.
• Conclusion should be about, and no longer than, 10 per cent of the overall word count.

Notes on Writing Style

• Find the right balance between formal and informal. Avoid being too informal and conversational on the one hand. But also don’t use overly convoluted and complicated language, as it makes your writing inaccessible, and can lead to a lack of clarity. You may at times encounter academic writing that seems deliberately obscure or overcomplicated, but those are not examples you should try to emulate.
• Clarity and specificity should indeed be a top priority. Are the words you are using expressing what you want to express? Is it clear who specifically is doing what or saying what? Pay attention to this when proofreading the essay. Could someone understand this differently? Avoid ambiguities.
• Key concepts should be clearly defined and  used throughout the essay in the way you defined them. Choose the definitions that are most useful for your discussion.
• Avoid hyperbole (don’t do ‘shocking statistics’ or ‘dire consequences’ etc.).

Notes on the Writing Process

• Proofreading: When you are first writing, don’t think of it as the final product, but treat it as a first draft. Go through several drafts until you are happy with it. At a minimum, proofread the entire essay once or twice. Don’t be perfectionist when you start out, as you can always come back and improve on whatever you’ve written.
• Small steps: Focussing on the small, concrete steps of your writing process rather than constantly thinking of the big task at hand will help you feel in control.
• Procrastination: Feeling overwhelmed, as well as being too perfectionist, are among the leading causes for procrastination. The two previous points should therefore help you address this issue as well. Don’t be too harsh on yourself when you do procrastinate – almost everyone does it to some extent .
• Over the years, keep addressing areas you want to improve on, and keep looking for information. Search online, for example ‘how to cite a book chapter in Harvard Sage’, ‘developing an argument’, ‘ using quotations ’, ‘memory techniques’, ‘how to read with speed’, ‘understanding procrastination’, or ‘ what does peer-reviewed mean ’. There is plenty of information, and some seriously good advice out there. See what works for you. Read the feedback you get on your writing, and incorporate it into your next essay.

Final Thoughts

Essay Writing skills are good skills to have in any situation (except maybe in a zombie apocalypse). They will make the studying process easier over time, and hopefully also more fun. But in a wider sense, they are general skills of critical engagement with the world around you, and will help you filter and prioritise the overload of information you are confronted with on an everyday basis. In that sense, they might actually even be helpful in a zombie apocalypse.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

HTML Text What Should Be in a Social Science Essay? Fundamentals and Essential Techniques / The Critical Turkey by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

Plain text What Should Be in a Social Science Essay? Fundamentals and Essential Techniques by blogadmin @ is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

Report this page

To report inappropriate content on this page, please use the form below. Upon receiving your report, we will be in touch as per the Take Down Policy of the service.

Please note that personal data collected through this form is used and stored for the purposes of processing this report and communication with you.

If you are unable to report a concern about content via this form please contact the Service Owner .

• Let’s Connect
• U.S. History
• Government & Civics
• Global Issues
• Student Council & Leadership
• Student Council & Leadership

Essay writing is the one thing I felt the least prepared to teach when I become a social studies teacher. And by least, I mean not at all. 

Early in my career, I attended the National Social Studies Council conference specifically looking for sessions on teaching writing. I was shocked to find hardly any. 

Is it because we assume students know how to write by high school? Or because it’s regarded as such a fuzzy thing to teach that it’s unknowingly passed over in teacher ed programs and conferences? Or do we still think writing isn’t core to social studies the way it is to ELA? I have no idea. 

That’s when I accepted that I was on my own to figure it out.

And it really should not be like that. 

Over the years, I created and fine-tuned what I call a DBQ classroom, in which daily lessons build towards an overarching inquiry question and our end-of-unit essay answers it. In another blog post, I outline a  broad overview of my DBQ classroom structure so if you’re interested in this approach, check that out before heading back here.

Whether it is  US History , or  Civics , or  Global Issues , if it’s a core subject, I’m using an essay as the culminating assessment to answer the unit-long inquiry. I truly believe writing is  that  central to learning.

This post follows one I wrote on  developing inquiry-based learning units  and picks up where that one left off. That’s because these two core pedagogy elements—inquiry and writing—fundamentally belong together. 

In this post, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of what “Outline Day” looks like in my classroom—when my students turn their general understanding about a topic into a precise, personalized, and well-supported argument. This is the second-to-last day of each unit, prior to “Essay Day.”

However, these same basic steps work for all types of history and social studies writing: end-of-unit essays, on-demand DBQs or LEQs, and formal research papers.

This is my 6-step how-to guide for scaffolding your history and social studies students in outlining an essay:

1. Deconstruct the essay prompt

2. Recap the truths, not just the content

3. Decide a clear position to argue

4. Choose categories to support a position

5. Select the best supporting evidence

6. Write the thesis

1. Deconstruct the Essay Prompt

Don’t underestimated how crucial this step. Whether it is a unit inquiry question you wrote yourself or one provided for your curriculum, you must teach your students how to break it down. 

Some questions to pose to students as you work through analyzing the prompt:

• What topics or content must I cover? What must I exclude?
• What’s considered true and not what I’m arguing?
• What skill must I demonstrate? How do I do that?
• What evaluation must I make? 

If you want to go deeper on these 4 questions, check out my blog post on  deconstructing social studies essay prompts step-by-step .

If this is a unit-long inquiry, then this deconstructing work happens early on and is also revisited throughout your unit. Personally, I never assign essays unless the question is known and understood all unit long, but sometimes you don’t have that ability. 

If you’re preparing students for on-demand essays, like the AP Exam, develop a cheat sheet of your deconstructing system for students to follow. Then practice it with every essay. 

One of the easiest and most heartbreaking traps I see AP students, even strong ones, fall into is arguing what the prompt already implies is true, missing the nuances of what the prompt was  really  asking, because they rushed this step.

2. Recap the Truths, Not Just the Content 

After it’s understood what the question is asking, now it’s time to review what it covers. If you created an  inquiry unit with a central graphic organizer of at-a-glance notes  and students have already loaded it up with what they’ve learned, you won’t need to spend too much time here. 

Instead, focus this brief review time on the “truths” about the topic—the broad understandings about which historians, political scientists, and other experts generally agree. The first two deconstructing questions identified these things, so now it’s time to recap the details.

Keep it to 2-3 truths. Basically, you want to show that both or multiple sides of the question have support.

Continuing with our sample Gilded Age question from the  last post on building an inquiry unit ,  “Was late 1800s America a land of opportunity?,”  the core truths are that two things—unbelievable wealth as well as abject poverty—existed simultaneously. That is inarguable.

So review with students the most salient examples of both, one then the other. This scaffolds students in two ways. First, it prevents them from getting derailed by arguing that both existed equally, which honestly is just summarizing, because you have reminded students that this is already true and known.

Second, it reinforces everything they’ve learned in the visual of the graphic organizer. In our Gilded Age example we used a T-chart, but it could be a Venn diagram or a cause/effect flow chart depending on the question. 

3. Decide a Clear Position to Argue 

Pose the prompt once more. In big text on your screen.

And with their at-a-glance graphic organizer in their hands, students should now have a gut reaction answer. If not, they have their sheet to help them decide. Even if a lower-level student has just a few items listed, they can still decide one side or the other. 

With our Gilded Age question, a student must either argue “yes” or “no” that late 1800s America was the land of opportunity. They can’t answer “both.” This crucial, fork-in-the-road decision prevents them from summarizing and sets them in a firm direction. 

Next, students fine tune their decision into a more precise position. For most essay prompts, this is the  argument qualifier —a single “how much so?” word that up-levels their writing significantly. 

This  continuum line of qualifier words  on my classroom wall is my strongest tool to strengthen students’ writing and I have a  whole blog post dedicated to how I use it   daily, not only while essay outlining. 

I have students write their two-word position on the top of their outline form—phrases like “somewhat yes” or “decidedly not.” This keeps them laser-focused and on-track, and from a quick across-the-table glance, I know so much about the argument they are forming.

I am a firm believer that good inquiry questions have unlimited right answers and that I’ve done my job well when distinctly different arguments are forming around the room. 

4. Choose Categories to Support Position

After those couple of words are committed to their outline form, students now select their body paragraph categories. 

The options of possible categories change with the question. Sometimes there’re only three options so everyone has the same three (though argued differently); sometimes there can be up to a dozen options. 

To best support students, I suggest sharing a list of possible categories from which to pick. Of course, if students think of something not on the list, invite them to talk it out with you.

For our Gilded Age question, the categories could be groups of people, specific events, or even various popular ideas of the time. Lots of options depending on what you covered.

If you want students to include a counterclaim (and I  highly  recommend you do so!) in their essays, the clearest way to support them is by teaching it as its own paragraph. Meaning, if a student is arguing the late 1800s  was  a time of opportunity, their counterclaim paragraph might be on the plight of farmers. 

After students label each body paragraph spot on their outline form with its category, I have them next write their topic sentences. Their thinking for choosing those topics is fresh in their mind and this clarity makes the next step even easier. 

To recap, by this stage students have very little written in their outline form. Two words of position at the top and three body paragraph topic sentences. But the heavy thinking is done, and a clear path has been laid.

If a student is stuck or needs to talk out their thinking, it’s incredibly easy for me to glance at this uncluttered framework and immediately offer tailored support. 

5. Select the Best Supporting Evidence

With precise topic sentences written, students now can much more easily select their evidence for each body paragraph. Provide space on your outline form for however many examples you want them to use.

With our Gilded Age prompt, if a student picked groups of people as their categories and choose the word “hopeful” in their paragraph topic sentence about the late 1800s “New” immigrants, then it’s easy for them to select pieces of evidence that best support that description.

This is another reason why having a  unit-long graphic organizer  is extremely important. Students already have the best evidence pulled aside and sorted into a T-chart, Venn diagram, or flowchart that directly supports the skill at the center of the question. Now it’s just a matter of curating the pieces that are relevant to the argument they are making.

If a student gets stuck finding examples, you can quickly glance at their topic sentence and point them to something that could work. This keeps them in control of their argument, making a kind of student-teacher synergy that’s almost magical. You’ll also see students use evidence in ways you never thought of.

6. Write the Thesis

Ideally, you’ll have noticed that students are building their essay from the inside out. This order provides so much more accessibility to students at every level.  

Since writing in social studies  is  the process of thinking, the thesis is much more the finale than the beginning. Strong and emerging writers alike benefit from this reversed approach, which also allows for better scaffolding through multiple micro decisions.

However, in the actual essay, yes, the thesis still goes at the beginning.  

For years, I’ve used the  Even though X, A and B, therefore Y  formula with great success. X is the counterclaim paragraph, A and B are the two supporting body paragraphs, and Y includes the argument qualifier. I’ve never met a prompt this didn’t work beautifully to answer. 

In my materials I pose a tailored version for students to build from. In our Gilded Age example, it would say,  “Even though X was occurring during the late 1800s, A and B were more…, therefore America was/wasn’t <argument qualifier> the land of opportunity which…”

As much as we think formulaic writing isn’t what we want to teach students, we can’t ignore the fact that no formula at all is far more harmful. Strong and middle-leveled students naturally know how to build off of it and lower-level students know they can use every bit of the formula at no penalty. Trust that very few ever do.

After working through these 6 steps, students should have little issue writing a well-organized and well-supported essay.

Check out my  US History ,  Civics , or  Global Issues  courses if you’re interested in making inquiry and essay writing central to your teaching. Both individual unit and full course options are available. Each unit includes all the essay writing supports you’ll need to scaffold writing like a pro—graphic organizers, outline forms, and how-to guides.

Feature image credit: via Pixabay  

How to Create Inquiry-Based Learning in Social Studies

Deconstructing essay questions in 4 simple steps.

Related Posts

19 Ideas for Setting Up Your Social Studies Classroom

• New Visions Social Studies Curriculum
• Curriculum Development Team
• Content Contributors
• Getting Started: Baseline Assessments
• Getting Started: Resources to Enhance Instruction

Getting Started: Instructional Routines

• Unit 9.1: Global 1 Introduction
• Unit 9.2: The First Civilizations
• Unit 9.3: Classical Civilizations
• Unit 9.4: Political Powers and Achievements
• Unit 9.5: Social and Cultural Growth and Conflict
• Unit 9.6: Ottoman and Ming Pre-1600
• Unit 9.7: Transformation of Western Europe and Russia
• Unit 9.8: Africa and the Americas Pre-1600
• Unit 9.9: Interactions and Disruptions
• Unit 10.0: Global 2 Introduction
• Unit 10.1: The World in 1750 C.E.
• Unit 10.2: Enlightenment, Revolution, and Nationalism
• Unit 10.3: Industrial Revolution
• Unit 10.4: Imperialism
• Unit 10.5: World Wars
• Unit 10.6: Cold War Era
• Unit 10.7: Decolonization and Nationalism
• Unit 10.8: Cultural Traditions and Modernization
• Unit 10.9: Globalization and the Changing Environment
• Unit 10.10: Human Rights Violations
• Unit 11.0: US History Introduction
• Unit 11.1: Colonial Foundations
• Unit 11.2: American Revolution
• Unit 11.3A: Building a Nation
• Unit 11.03B: Sectionalism & the Civil War
• Unit 11.4: Reconstruction
• Unit 11.5: Gilded Age and Progressive Era
• Unit 11.6: Rise of American Power
• Unit 11.7: Prosperity and Depression
• Unit 11.8: World War II
• Unit 11.9: Cold War
• Unit 11.10: Domestic Change
• Resources: Regents Prep: Global 2 Exam
• Regents Prep: Framework USH Exam: Regents Prep: US Exam
• Find Resources

Regents Prep: Global 2 Exam

How to Write an Enduring Issues Essay Thesis

A lesson on writing a thesis that includes the enduring issue, a claim about it, and a list of examples to be discussed in the essay.

Getting Started

Enduring Issues Check-In: How to Write an Enduring Issues Essay Thesis

Teacher Feedback

Please comment below with questions, feedback, suggestions, or descriptions of your experience using this resource with students.

If you found an error in the resource, please let us know so we can correct it by filling out this form . 

Get science-backed answers as you write with Paperpal's Research feature

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

• What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
• How to Paraphrase Research Papers Effectively
• How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing? 
• How Long Should a Chapter Be?

Similarity Checks: The Author’s Guide to Plagiarism and Responsible Writing

Types of plagiarism and 6 tips to avoid it in your writing , you may also like, what is academic writing: tips for students, what is hedging in academic writing  , how to use ai to enhance your college..., how to use paperpal to generate emails &..., ai in education: it’s time to change the..., is it ethical to use ai-generated abstracts without..., do plagiarism checkers detect ai content, word choice problems: how to use the right..., how to avoid plagiarism when using generative ai..., what are journal guidelines on using generative ai....

Jump to navigation

• Inside Writing
• Teacher's Guides
• Student Models
• Writing Topics
• Minilessons
• Shopping Cart
• Inside Grammar
• Grammar Adventures
• CCSS Correlations
• Infographics

Get a free Grammar Adventure! Choose a single Adventure and add coupon code ADVENTURE during checkout. (All-Adventure licenses aren’t included.)

Sign up or login to use the bookmarking feature.

• 26 Writing in Social Studies

Start-Up Activity

When your students arrive, have them spend five minutes writing about what they learned in class the day before. This exercise will not only reinforce their learning but will also introduce today's topic.

Have volunteers share their observations. No two will be alike. Some will be more in-depth and accurate, others more general and inaccurate. Some will emphasize one point, and others another. Students may nod and smile when someone recalls something they had forgotten. Point out that yesterday's class lies somewhere in all of those accounts—multiple reports from eye-witnesses of the events of the previous day.

Writing in social studies involves exactly this process, synthesizing the perspectives of many to discover what happened and why.

Think About It

“History never really says good-bye. History says, 'See you later.'”

—Eduardo Galeano

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.10
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.2.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.9

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.1112.whst.1.2, lafs.1112.whst.3.8, lafs.1112.whst.3.9, lafs.1112.whst.4.10, lafs.1112.whst.2.4, lafs.1112.whst.2.5, lafs.1112.whst.3.7, lafs.1112.whst.1.1, lafs.1112.whst.2.6, lafs.1112.rst.1.1, lafs.1112.rst.1.2, lafs.1112.rst.2.6, lafs.1112.rst.3.7, lafs.1112.rst.3.8, lafs.1112.rst.3.9, teks covered in this chapter, page 366 from write for college, taking notes in social studies.

Use this page to provide students tips for improving their note-taking. Each bolded direction at the top of the page can help students more efficiently and accurately record information from lectures and readings, as well as access it later to prepare for tests. The model notes page at the bottom shows these tips in action, including using graphics to visualize information.

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Page 367 from Write for College

Keeping a social studies log.

Encourage students to keep a learning log for their social studies class, reflecting on the ideas they are discovering. Provide the tips at the top of the page to help them get the most out of their logs. Present the example entry at the bottom of the page, noting how the writer thinks about the topic and connects it to other learning.

Have students get a start by reflecting for ten minutes on what they most recently learned in class.

Page 368 from Write for College

Guidelines: summarizing a social studies argument.

Summarizing helps students reflect on new learning, capture it in their own words, understand it, and synthesize it with other learning. Use this page to guide students through the process of summary writing.

Before they write their own summaries, have students read and discuss the sample article and summary on page 369.

Then have students use SQ3R to closely read a current-events article or part of a social studies textbook. Have students identify the focus of the reading and the main supporting points.

Present the suggestions for writing the beginning, middle, and ending of the summary.

Then help students improve their work by quipping them with the Checklist for Revising and Editing Social Studies Summaries .

Page 369 from Write for College

Article and summary.

Have students read the social studies article, "The Great Chain of the Hudson." Then have them read the summary. Point out that the topic sentence names the article and author and provides the focus. Then the body sentences capture the main points of the article. Also, note that the summary is less than a third the length of the original and is rendered in the writer's own words (paraphrased).

Page 370 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing an editorial.

Use this page to help students write editorials expressing opinions about current events, historical periods, or social concerns.

Before students write their own editorials, have them review the editorial on page 371.

Then have students choose a topic that relates to their current studies, research it, and form an opinion.

Once they are ready to draft their editorials, lead students through the suggestions for creating opening, middle, and closing parts.

Afterward, provide them the Checklist for Revising and Editing Editorials .  

Page 371 from Write for College

Have students read this editorial to themselves. Afterward, ask them their opinions about immigration. What ideas in the editorial swayed them, and what ideas did they find unconvincing? How did the writer express and support the opinion? What social studies topic would they like to express an opinion about?

Page 372 from Write for College

Guidelines: responding to document-based questions.

Document-based questions (DBQs) ask about ideas presented in a series of articles and graphics. Students need to analyze the documents and draw evidence from them to answer the DBQ. Use this page to help students learn best practices for responding to these kinds of questions.

Before they answer their own DBQ, have students review the documents and response on pages 373–375.

When students are ready, provide then a DBQ and ask them to analyze it using the PAST strategy. Then have them use the SQ3R strategy to closely read the documents. After they have done so, they should jot down a thesis statement and a quick list of main details.

Lead students through the instructions for creating an effective opening, middle, and closing.

Then provide them the Checklist for Revising and Editing DBQ Responses , noting that they will not have this checklist in real test environments. However, these are the kinds of questions they should ask themselves as they revise and edit.

Page 373 from Write for College

Documents 1 and 2.

Before students engage these documents, have them analyze the prompt on page 375:

We live in the Anthropocene—when humans affect all life on earth. How should we interact with nature? Write an essay expressing your opinion and use evidence from the documents to persuade your generation.

Keeping that prompt in mind, students should closely read these two documents. Ask them to think about the main point and supporting details of each, as well as how they relate to the question.

Page 374 from Write for College

Documents 3 and 4.

Have students closely read these documents, thinking about the document-based question on page 375. Ask them to note the focus and main points of each document.

Page 375 from Write for College

Document-based question.

Ask students to reread the DBQ at the top of the page, and then closely read one student's response. Afterward, lead a discussion of the student's thesis statement and main supporting points. Also, ask how the writer uses and credits evidence drawn from the documents.

Encourage students to use a similar approach when they answer DBQs.

Page 376 from Write for College

Using graphic organizers.

Graphic organizers help students visualize information in social studies. They capture ideas in notes, gather details during research, organize information before drafting, and allow students to think critically about issues. You can direct students to the minilessons for even more help with these graphic organizers.

Sequencing with a Time Line

Use time lines for critical thinking.

Evaluating with a Pro-Con Chart

Analyze good and bad with a pro-con chart.

Analyzing with a Cause-Effect Chart

Analyze causes and effects of any topic.

• 01 One Writer's Process
• 02 Traits of Writing
• 03 Prewriting
• 05 Revising
• 07 Publishing
• 08 Improving Sentences
• 09 Building Paragraphs
• 10 Mastering Essays
• 11 Writing with Style
• 12 Writing Terms and Techniques
• 13 Personal Writing
• 14 Narrative Writing
• 15 Explanatory Writing
• 16 Argument Writing
• 17 Literary Response Writing
• 18 Creative Writing
• 19 Conducting Research
• 20 Summaries, Paraphrases, and Abstracts
• 21 Report Writing
• 22 Writing the Research Paper
• 23 MLA Research Paper
• 24 APA Research Paper
• 25 Writing in Science
• 27 Writing in Math
• 28 Writing in the Workplace
• 29 Reading Nonfiction
• 30 Reading Literature
• 31 Reading Graphics
• 32 Listening and Note Taking
• 33 Speaking Effectively
• 34 Building Vocabulary
• 35 Writing on Demand
• 36 Answering Document-Based Questions
• 37 Taking Exit and Entrance Exams
• 38 Taking Advanced Placement* Exams
• 39 Marking Punctuation
• 40 Checking Mechanics
• 41 Understanding Idioms
• 42 Using the Right Word
• 43 Parts of Speech
• 44 Using the Language
• 45 Student Almanac

Doing Social Studies

Social studies for the 21st century, 5 easy ways to integrate writing in the social studies.

Gone are the days in which reading novels and writing essays belonged solely in an ELA classroom.  All subjects are now expected to (and should) be integrating and supporting the reading and writing skills that students are taught in Language Arts class.

“But, but . . . I went to college to be a history teacher, not an English teacher. I don’t know HOW to teach ELA!”

That was me. Seriously. I was ready to fight teaching reading and writing skills as long as I could.

Until I learned some simple strategies to help me.  This list is meant to help those who are struggling to add reading and writing skills into their classrooms and possibly give some new ideas to others.

Go talk to you ELA Teachers. NOW!

Think about it. If another subject area wanted to start adding in pieces of Civic Engagement into their classroom and needed ideas, you would want them to come to you, right? You are the “social studies” expert. Why wouldn’t you be running down the hall to see the “reading and writing expert” in your building?  Go.

Tell them you want to start including more writing skills in your room. Ask them what language they use. How do they teach the kids to structure a paragraph? What grammar skills are they focusing on this year? Trust me . . . depending on the year it could be different. Last year, our 7th grade ELA teacher really focused on capitalization of proper nouns. I was able to help support that. The kids knew it.

Piggy back off of what they are doing . . . Have they taught supporting evidence with quotes from sources? How do they want students to cite their sources? What are some simple strategies for locating evidence within text?  Anything that you can say that reinforces what your ELA teacher is doing will make it easier on both of you

Start with what you know 

This is the first thing I did. I started requiring the kids to write in complete sentences. I know that one. I don’t know exactly what year the kids are taught how to capitalize the first letter, subject, verb, and end with punctuation. But they know it before 7th grade. Unless it was specified on an IEP I started counting off for those simple errors.

You see, kids came to my class thinking “it’s not English so I don’t have to do things correctly.” Once they knew I was taking points off for not writing correct complete sentences, they magically started doing it correctly.

I love using acronyms for the classroom. Especially when it’s short and easy to remember. TAG is great because it gets kids writing better essays with MORE than just the basic “it happened on 7-4-76.”

This is automatically a two sentence response, but it’s more than just having the kids respond with two sentences. It forces them to give more detail. TAG requires students to go back into the text and find something else to say about the topic.

I would be lying if I said the students cheered when I told them TAG had to be used to answer questions but 100% of the time, their answers are better. So I like it and we use it!

Poetry is where it’s at!

If there’s one thing about incorporating ELA strategies that I love, its using various forms of poetry for students to express their understanding of a topic. We use acrostic poems in our “bell work,” haikus to summarize a topics, “I AM” poems to understand perspective, and this year I hope to add “Blackout Poetry” because it is awesome!

As you start trying to add more writing into your social studies classroom, give these 5 things a try. As always with everything on my blog, if you need any copies of anything or want to talk ideas don’t hesitate to contact me  @JillWebs  on Twitter.

Want more writing ideas? This post is a shorter version of a previous post with more examples found  here .

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from doing social studies.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Features for Creative Writers
• Features for Work
• Features for Higher Education
• Features for Teachers
• Features for Non-Native Speakers
• Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
• Grammar Guide

How to Use Writing in Your Social Studies Classroom

Krystal N. Craiker

I can’t tell you how many times I've heard some version of the complaint, “This isn’t English class! Why are we writing?”

It might just sound like something unmotivated students would say, which is partially true. But it also reveals a bigger truth: our students aren’t writing enough outside of English class. My students were juniors and seniors! They should have been used to it by then.

My school district had a widespread push for writing across the curriculum. The director of social studies implemented two document-based question essays a year for all students in fourth grade and above. Other teachers balked at these initiatives, and at first, I did, too.

Literacy in America

Writing as an assessment, writing to learn, document-based questions, extra tips for teaching with writing.

As our principals provided more training sessions to help us reach English language learners and build language-rich classrooms, I began to hear a mantra.

“All of us are English teachers.”

No, I wasn’t. I specifically did not pursue a certification in English Language Arts because I didn’t want to teach reading and writing. I didn’t want to stress over the hardest standardized tests; I had enough of that in history!

But the longer I taught—and the more I implemented writing in my classroom—I realized I was wrong. We are all responsible for improving literacy.

The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIACC) does a widespread study of literacy every ten years, with updates to the data coming in more frequently. The most recent data come from 2014. The results are staggering.

More than 50% of American adults read and write at or below a fourth/fifth-grade level. A shocking 17% read and write at below a third-grade level. Only 13% of American adults can read and write at a high school level or higher.

Perhaps the most sobering statistic is that 4% do not have enough literacy to function in our society. If that seems low, think of it like this: in a room of 100 random people, four could not read and write well enough to perform basic tasks in our society.

So, yes, we are all English teachers. Social studies is a reading-heavy subject by nature, but many teachers gloss over writing. I understand that incorporating writing in your class can be overwhelming. Let me share some ideas on increasing the writing in your classroom.

There are a lot of reasons that teachers use multiple-choice tests. They’re easier to grade. It’s easy to compare data. And in the age of high-stakes testing, we have to get the kids prepared for that end-of-year exam.

But only using objective testing does not always give you a good idea of your students’ learning. Some kids are terrible test-takers. Some kids can guess their way through a multiple-choice test by knowing a few keywords. Often, the student may know the answer but get tripped up by the word choice of the question.

Writing tells you not just if they have learned the concept, but also to what degree. Did they forget the year of the Bay of Pigs, but they can describe the events that occurred? That’s pretty high mastery. Did they forget what yellow journalism is or the name of the USS Maine, but they can explain the role that the media played in the Spanish-American War? They’ve got it!

Add a few short-answer questions to your tests. It might take you longer to grade, but you’ll get a better idea of their comprehension.

Use writing as an exit ticket. You can provide a specific question to answer or use a template. I enjoy the 3-2-1 method.

• Write 3 things you learned
• Write 2 things you are confused about OR 2 things you found interesting
• Write 1 question you have

Reading your exit tickets won’t take you long. I used to glance through them for a general idea during passing periods. Sometimes I would immediately notice what I needed to clarify for the next class.

Most writing in the social studies classroom is either formative or summative assessment. But writing can also be used to learn and explore the material. Writing doesn’t have to be only factual. In fact, if you can get your kids personally invested in the content through writing, they will learn even better.

Opinion Questions and Observations

Start a lesson by asking a personal question that relates to the content. In the age of standardized tests, opinion questions can be difficult for students. They are used to having a right and wrong answer. Be patient, and respect what they say.

Here are a few ideas of the types of questions you can ask.

• You are moving to a new place far away, and you can only bring what fits in your backpack. What do you bring and why? ( any lesson with human migration )
• What is something you think should be changed immediately in our society and why? Is it the government’s responsibility to make this change? ( revolutions )
• You and 100 people have landed on a deserted island, and you’ve been selected as the leader. What are the first ten rules that you make? ( Constitution, Bill of Rights )
• Write about a time that you visited someone’s house and noticed that they do things differently than your family. What did they do that was different? How did it make you feel? ( culture, exploration )

We also use many primary sources in social studies. These are great tools for getting your students to write. Ask them to write down their observations in a photograph, painting, or political cartoon. You can provide accommodations based on the level of your students. For instance, lower-performing students can write three observations. The Five Ws (who, what, when, where, why) are great for most students. Advanced students can use AP strategies like APPARTS .

Be sure to include personal opinions and reactions in your primary source writing. If your students don’t know what is happening, have them make a hypothesis. Ask them what emotions the picture evokes. The more personally invested they are, the more they will learn.

Creative Writing

Many students think history is about names and dates, and they miss the idea that history is a story about real people. Creative writing can help bring history to life.

Letters and diary entries are a great way to personalize historical material. After they have a basic understanding of a subject, ask them to imagine they are living during that time. Focus on including sensory details and emotions instead of just facts.

Let’s take a look at a few guiding questions for writing a historical letter or diary entry.

• Who are you?
• What is happening in the world?
• What can you see? Smell? Hear?
• How do you feel and why do you feel that way?

AP teachers are familiar with Document-Based Questions (DBQs). But DBQs aren’t just for advanced students. These essays are a great way to turn your students into historians.

A DBQ provides a selection of relevant primary and secondary sources that support an essay prompt. Using prior knowledge and the available documents, students write an essay. DBQs cover document analysis and teach students to synthesize information in a logical, concise manner.

DBQs might sound daunting, but thanks to The DBQ Project , you can adapt a DBQ for all grade levels and abilities. They provide both full-length DBQs and Mini-Qs. There are many lessons out there for how to teach a DBQ.

Modeling is very important, and methods like Gradual Release (I do, we do, you do) are highly effective for walking your students through the process.

One major concern teachers have about incorporating more writing is the grading workload. But you don’t need to add too much extra time to your grading process. You can have students share their writing out loud or check for completion while they work on other activities. Remember, you don’t need to take a grade on everything.

You are looking for comprehension more than correct mechanics. Encourage good spelling and grammar, but if you focus too heavily on it, the kids won’t write like you want them to. I only counted off for mechanics when I assigned essays like a DBQ. Even then, it was just worth a few points on the rubric. Don’t spend too much time correcting every mistake, and meet your students where they are. If you want to correct spelling and grammar, pick one or two repeated errors to address.

For English Language Learners or other students who require accommodations, provide sentence stems. Always encourage the use of complete sentences to increase literacy and fluency for all students.

How will you incorporate writing in your social studies classroom? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Editing technology like ProWritingAid provides immediate, personalized feedback that will help students to better understand grammar and writing techniques.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

Get started with ProWritingAid

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

Jump to navigation

• Aansluiten: registreren en aanmelden (NL)
• Join: register to read, use or share content (EN)
• Join: register your WorldSupporter account (profile)
• Sign in account
• Contribute or add content
• Contribute or add content: Start & FAQ
• WorldSupporter: Magazine
• WorldSupporter: Search
• WorldSupporter: Start
• Blogs & Stories
• Magazines & Starting Pages
• Photos & Movies & Documents
• Summaries & Notes
• Tips & Suggestions
• WorldSupporter of Thailand
• WorldSupporter of The Philippines
• In Central America
• In North America
• In the Middle East
• New Zealand
• Travel your way around the World
• Doing Internship & Travel Abroad (NL)
• Emigratie & Vertrek naar het buitenland (NL)
• Insuring & Travel Abroad
• Leven & Werken in het buitenland (NL)
• Teaching & Travel abroad
• Working & Travel Abroad
• Learn & Study for Knowledge
• Summaries with textbooks & study books
• Summaries with scientific articles
• Summaries with lectures and workgroups
• Study Support & Summaries for Business
• Study Support & Summaries for Int. Studies
• Summaries for Law & Politics (NL)
• Samenvattingen van arresten
• Summaries for Law Leiden
• Study Support & Summaries for Marketing
• Study Support & Summaries for Medicine
• Summaries fo Pedagogy Leiden
• Summaries for Pedagogy Utrecht
• Summaries for Psychology in NL
• Summaries for Psychology Amsterdam
• Summaries for Psychology Groningen
• Summaries for Psychology Leiden
• Summaries for Psychology Twente
• Summaries for Psychology Utrecht
• Summaries for Statistics
• Summaries for Statistics in NL
• Individual WorldSupporters
• Organizational WorldSupporters
• Support the World & Inspire Supporters
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Sustainable Happiness
• Sustainable Projects Abroad Set Up (NL)
• Sustainable Recipes & Food Abroad
• Sustainable Travel & Respectful Backpacking
• Sustainable Volunteering?

The essay is an important part of the social studies exam, allowing you to earn as many as six primary points. The task of the pupil is to choose one of five statements (on philosophy, economics, sociology, political science or law), to reveal the problem raised using arguments. To get the maximum score it is necessary not only to learn the theoretical foundations of the subject, but also to be well-read and aware of events happening in the world. In addition, the ability to express your thoughts is important.  Disclosure of the problem The first paragraph of the essay is the disclosure of the idea of the statement. You need to understand what problem the author has raised, explain what it consists in. To make it easier for you, put yourself in the place of the thinker. Imagine that the statement belongs to you. Why did you have such an idea? From what considerations? What is your motivation? To get the maximum score for the section, you need to formulate a thesis statement. 

The opening paragraph consists of 3-5 sentences. When writing it is recommended to use social science terms, give their definitions. In the case of sociology, the examiners will look for the concepts of "socialization", "society", "personality", "needs", “ all assignment help reviews ”. If the choice fell on the economic sphere, it is necessary to use the terms "market", "competition", "demand", "supply". Let's analyze the paragraph on the example of V.M. Sukhomlinsky's statement - "The family is the primary environment where a person must learn to do good" (it refers to sociology): 

"The problem raised by the author - the role of the family in the formation of personality. It has always been relevant and continues to be important today. The idea of the statement is that the family is an agent of primary socialization, it affects what kind of child will become in the future. Interests, values, worldview are formed under the influence of the family."  Formulating a problem on a social studies essay Theoretical Argumentation After making a thesis statement, you need to justify it. The second and third paragraphs of the social studies essay from the USE are devoted to the proof. First, the opinion needs to be argued theoretically. Use definitions of terms, as well as various rules, laws, and functions. In addition, it is allowed to quote social scientists. The main thing is to attract theoretical material and prove that it relates to the problem raised. Let's examine on the already known example: 

"The social studies course says that the family is a social system. It is based on marriage or kinship, and its members are bound by household and mutual moral responsibility. The family performs many functions. The main ones are reproductive (the family provides reproduction of the population), economic (family members have a common household), psychological (a person gets care and support among close people). Sukhomlinsky's statement concerns the spiritual, moral and educational spheres. Basic values are formed in the family: parents explain norms, teach goodness, tell how to behave properly. Thanks to the elders, the child receives primary socialization, learns to interact with other people."  

You need to prove your point with an example. Use the following sources: 

•    Public life, real events from the media; •    Situation models ("Citizen N. decided to open his own cosmetics store. He has saved up some start-up capital, but has not made a detailed business plan. As a result..."); •    personal experience: situations from his own life and the lives of his relatives; •    books, movies; any historical events (including cultural and scientific history). When writing an essay, 2 or more illustrations should be used. Their sources must be different: for example, one is taken from personal experience and the other from the media. It is recommended to put each example in a separate paragraph: this will help to form a logical structure, making it easier to check. In addition, at the beginning of the paragraph be sure to specify the thesis (more narrowly focused than the main one), which you will prove.  Conclusion The conclusion is the logical conclusion of the essay. You need to briefly summarize your reasoning. Think about the role of the problem in today's world, talk about its relevance, explain what will happen if it is ignored. One of the options for completion is a call to action for the reader ("Don't forget to help those who find themselves in a difficult situation, because good deeds are sure to be rewarded").

​Related resources: How to Write an Essay How to write an essay in German: structure, expressions, simple techniques How to Write an Essay in English - Examples of English Essays What is an essay and how to write one  

Ga jij binnenkort studeren in het buitenland? Regel je zorg- en reisverzekering via JoHo!

Nice post! Pit contributed on 13-09-2021 09:21

Add new contribution.

• WorldSupporters only
• JoHo members

Reading & ELA

Social Studies

Classroom Community

Student Engagement

Teaching Tips

• Reading and ELA

5 Fantastic Ways to Integrate Writing with Social Studies

By Kirsten Hammond

Share This Post:

• Facebook Share
• Twitter Share
• Pinterest Share
• Email Share

As educators, we’re constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to engage our students and foster their learning.

In this blog post, we’re diving into the world of integrating writing with social studies. By combining these two essential components, we can create a dynamic and enriching learning environment that benefits students on multiple levels.

Why Integrate Writing with Social Studies?

Integrating writing with social studies might seem complex, but the benefits and possibilities are endless! It’s not just about honing writing skills; it’s about enhancing students’ understanding of historical events, cultures, and perspectives.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Deeper Engagement

Writing prompts students to engage with historical events and figures on a profound level. It prompts them to analyze and internalize the subject matter.

2. Critical Thinking

When teachers integrate writing, students develop critical thinking skills. They evaluate evidence and form arguments based on historical context.

3. Unique Perspectives

Writing encourages students to explore events from different angles. It nurtures empathy and helps students understand the motivations and emotions of a variety of sides.

4. Communication Skills

Whether written or verbal, writing enhances students’ ability to communicate effectively. They learn to express ideas clearly, persuasively, and coherently.

5. Creative Expression

Writing allows students to explore their creativity and self-expression. They can craft historical narratives, persuasive arguments, and so much more!

Now that we understand the why, let’s dive into five engaging ways to seamlessly integrate writing with social studies.

1. Incorporate Narrative Writing

Narrative writing brings history to life by putting students in the shoes of historical figures. They can craft journal entries, such as imagining that they are settlers in Jamestown or witnesses to the American Revolution.

Alternatively, encourage them to write historical fiction, using real events as inspiration for their imaginative tales.

2. Embrace Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing encourages students to form arguments supported by historical evidence.

You can organize classroom debates or assign persuasive essays on topics like the American Revolution or Westward Expansion. Have them craft letters to present-day politicians or “interview” historical figures.

3. Explore Research-Based Writing

Research and inquiry skills are crucial in both writing and social studies. Have students write research papers on historical events, figures, or cultural themes.

Analyzing primary sources and developing well-supported arguments enhances their historical understanding and writing skills.

4. Dive into Expository Writing

Expository writing, or informative writing, helps students explain concepts and present facts.

Encourage students to write informative essays on various social studies topics. They can also create “how-to” guides for cultural celebrations, shedding light on different traditions and customs.

5. Engage in Collaborative Writing

Collaborative writing promotes teamwork, communication, and creativity.

Have students work in groups to create research papers or storytelling projects. They can research different aspects of a topic or develop scripts for podcasts, videos, or plays that explore historical events or other social studies topics .

Assessing Writing in Social Studies

Assessing student work while also having to integrate writing doesn’t need to be daunting. Try these methods!

Develop Clear Rubrics

Create rubrics outlining expectations for each writing assignment. Include criteria like organization, use of evidence, clarity, and mechanics. This provides students with clear guidelines.

Peer Review

Encourage peer review sessions where students provide constructive feedback on each other’s writing. This fosters collaboration, improves writing skills, and enhances the learning process.

One-on-One Conferencing

Schedule individual conferences to discuss students’ writing progress. Address challenges, provide guidance, and offer personalized feedback to support their writing growth.

Resources for Integrating Writing with Social Studies

Feeling inspired to integrate writing into your social studies lessons? Here are some resources and tools to help you get started:

• Library of Congress and National Archive s websites provide access to primary sources.
• Smithsonian Learning Lab offers primary sources, lesson plans, and writing prompts related to various topics.
• Read Write Think features writing prompts designed specifically for social studies contexts.
• Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) offers a plethora of writing prompts and resources tailored to social studies.
• Digital tools like Padlet , Flipgrid , and Google Slides facilitate collaborative writing projects, peer reviews, and presentations.

Knowing how to integrate writing into your social studies curriculum is a powerful way to enhance learning outcomes. It encourages critical thinking, empathy, communication, and creativity—all while deepening students’ historical understanding.

By incorporating various genres of writing, you create a well-rounded experience that prepares students to become informed and engaged citizens. So, go ahead and weave the art of writing into the rich tapestry of social studies!

kirsten hammond

Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.

You might also like…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

©the Southern Teach. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Ashley Hughes

tantric-studies.org

Study, Write Essays & Stay Inspired

Total Guide on How to Write a Social Studies Essay

Whether your social studies essay will be difficult or easy to write will depend on the strategies you develop. Some students complete such an essay in a few hours while others will struggle for days and weeks. The struggle to write the essay should also guarantee the best performance.

The best essay in social studies is guided by basic academic writing rules. You must add your unique elements to make the paper more interesting to read. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to write the best social studies paper.

Understand the instructions for writing your social studies essay

The pivotal guide on how to write a social studies essay is the prompt. The prompt determines the formatting style you will use in your paper. It also directs you on the subject to discuss, length, and other aspects of writing. You should thoroughly understand the instructions before you can start writing.

Most essay instructions are descriptive. Such a format makes them difficult to understand for some students. The best trick is to consult your tutor for tips on how to write a good social studies essay. Your tutor understands these instructions better than you do. He has supervised many other essays and will, therefore, help you to craft the best paper.

The tutor will also guide you on the samples to use. Tutors know the best sources of educational materials. Their guidance is a guarantee that you will get the best quality help.

Use social studies essay sample to guide you

The easiest, fastest, and most accurate way to write the paper is to get a social studies essay sample. The sample directs you on different aspects of writing including the format, how to choose a title, and citation. Samples make the instructions clearer and easier to follow.

The best social studies essay examples come from your tutor. He will also guide you on how to use these samples accurately. Samples from the library also make your work easy. The library features the best academic materials because they are vetted by professionals before uploading or being placed on the shelve. The samples should capture a large part of the instructions issued by your tutor.

Choose the best social studies essay topics

The topic you choose for your social studies essay will define your experience. The topic determines the books you read, data collected, and whether your paper will be interesting to read. The best social studies essay topics are fresh and interesting to read. They are also relevant, especially capturing a subject that people want to read about.

A good social studies essay topic is original. Avoid the old mundane topics with nothing to offer readers. Find a new perspective that will promise an interesting discussion worth the time spent reading through your paper.

Hire an expert writer for your social studies essay

Are you struggling to write the social studies essay? Get professional help from expert homework assistants. The helpers understand social studies topics and will deliver the most technical paper. Check online writing websites for the best helpers.

Online helpers work 24/7 to deliver the paper on time. Through their assistance, they save you time and will allow you to focus on other more interesting engagements like sports or performance arts. You must, however, be cautious to avoid online writing scams.

Use an outline to master the social studies essay format

The outline helps you to organize your ideas and deliver a logical paper. Using the outline, you will identify the strongest and most strategic points for each section of your paper. The social studies essay format will feature strong ideas in the beginning and memorable ones at the end. It helps you to deliver the most interesting discussion.

Know how to start a social studies essay

The beginning of your essay sets the pace. You must know how to start a social studies essay like a pro. Use statistics, tell a story or quote an authority on the subject. If the introduction captures the attention of the reader, he will read to the end.

Check the best sample social studies essay prompts to guide you in the writing process. Choose a captivating prompt to make your paper interesting to read. Consult your tutor when writing and use writing services to make your paper easier, fast, and enjoyable to write.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join my VIP teacher email club!

If you are looking for ways to integrate social studies and writing, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve been teaching these two subjects together for many years now and can’t imagine teaching one subject without the other.

Integrating social studies and writing is a great way to save time.

Students who write about what they’ve learned tend to enjoy deeper understanding and retention of information.

Writing uses a different skill set and requires higher levels of thinking than simply filling in multiple choice answer bubbles.

Keep reading to find out how I integrate 5th grade social studies and 5th grade writing .

Are you looking for upper elementary social studies/writing resources and ideas? I’d love for you to join my weekly VIP email club with no spam, just helpful tips, ideas, and resources!

Social Studies Writing = Nonfiction Writing

Many years ago, a wise principal told me that teaching social studies is the same as teaching nonfiction reading . I completely agree with this!

When social studies is taught correctly, students are learning ALL of the nonfiction reading skills, including cause/effect, compare/contrast, summarizing, sequencing, and much more.

By the same token, social studies class is an ideal setting to teach nonfiction writing .

Of course, there are plenty of ways to integrate fiction writing into social studies class, but nonfiction writing should be the shining star in your social studies/writing integration efforts.

Generally, I start with sentence improvement , followed by five paragraph essays and paired passages .

Additionally, I use people, places, and events in my social studies curriculum to create nonfiction writing prompts.

This will be so easy for you to do with your students! You already know the information students need to learn and review, so why not make it into a writing prompt?

Nonfiction Writing Prompt Examples:

a. Georgia was founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe as a place for English debtors to work off their debts as an alternative to spending time in prison. Do you think that work colonies would be a good alternative for prisons today? Explain your answer fully!

b. One of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, often shared his wisdom with others in the form of short, wise quotes. For example:  Well done is better than well said.  Create two original, short quotes to share your own wisdom. Be sure to fully explain the meanings behind your quotes!

c. When our founding fathers wrote the Constitution, they divided the power of the federal government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. How might our nation be different today if they’d only created one all-powerful branch of government?

Looking for more social studies journal prompts?

Grab 50 of my best prompts in this blog post (free): Big List of Social Studies Journal Prompts

Use social studies facts to write fiction, poetry, narratives, & more!

Writing in social studies class doesn’t always have to be nonfiction.

We can and should encourage our students to write in other modes.

With my students, I find it’s best to take facts and combine creativity and critical thinking to write something new.

Historical Fiction Idea: Dining with George and Martha at Mount Vernon

• First, take students on a virtual tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon . They’ll need to gather facts, check out landmarks, and even examine dining room decor.
• Second, ask students to combine what they know about George and Martha Washington with what they saw on the virtual tour to write a fictional account of dining with the Washington Family at Mount Vernon.

Use social studies topics to teach research skills!

When you mention the term “research report” to your fifth graders, you’ll hear a collective groan, guaranteed!

Research is never high on the list of things our students are excited to do BUT we can help our students feel confident in their research skills and make the process painless!

It’s all about taking it one step at a time and modeling, modeling, modeling 🙂

The post below will show you how I teach the research process to my 5th graders AND there are some step-by-step videos that you can use yourself or show to your students as they embark on the research process!

The Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Research Reports

Teach writing using history-themed paired passages!

Paired passages are common in 5th grade writing standards.

I find that many sets of paired passages include one nonfiction text and one fiction text.

Exposing your students to history-themed paired passages is a fantastic way to practice this skill before students are required to use them on state assessments.

I use three steps to teach students how to write with paired passages:

• First, dissect the prompt.
• Second, closely read the paired texts.
• Third, organize thoughts using the prompt.

Check out all of the details on how I use the steps above in this post:

How to Teach Writing Using Paired Passages

Ask students to respond to history-themed quotes!

Quotes are short, but powerful, reinforcements for what students are learning in social studies class.

They lead students to critical thinking and interpretation.

I ask students to respond to quotes in their journals because they are using what they already know about a topic and/or individual to draw conclusions and interpret meanings.

Responses to quotes will vary by student, so this always leads to fascinating debates and discussions.

John Adams Quote, 1777

One of my favorite quotes to have students write about is from John Adams, Revolutionary leader and 2nd President :

“ You will never know, how much it cost (my) Generation, to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it.”

When responding to this quote, some students zoom in on “how much it cost my generation to preserve your freedom” and discuss some of the sacrifices, difficulties, and frustrations faced by the founding generation.

Other students zoom in on “make a good use of it” and talk about how we can make a good use of the freedom we have today and/or ponder the question – Are we making good use of our freedom?

Some questions I pose to students: Would the founders approve of the state of our nation today? Is this what they envisioned? What do we know about John Adams? Why was he qualified to make this statement?

This resource provides a large collection of social studies quote images: Social Studies Quotes Image Bundle

Include Freewriting and Writing Choice in Social Studies Class!

I’d like to encourage you to give students the opportunity to just write without worrying about punctuation, structure, or grading.

We shouldn’t be requiring publishable writing assignments every single time.

Students need at least a little time to write simply for the fun of it, to get their ideas down on paper, and to express their thoughts.

One way I use freewriting in my classroom is to give students a wide topic and allow them 10 minutes of freewriting on a narrow topic of their choice.

For example, if we are studying Colonial America , I might say, “You have ten minutes to freewrite on an aspect of the New England colonies that you find interesting.”

When I glance at their freewriting compositions, I know that I will see a large variety of topics, like Puritans, the shipbuilding industry, town meetings, artisans, and Anne Hutchinson, to name a few.

Ask students to write using various perspectives!

Considering multiple viewpoints and lived experiences is a critical skill in social studies, reading, writing, and life in general.

Social studies content is a great resource to use when asking students to consider and write from other viewpoints.

One way to engage students in this is to have them consider a well-known event, like the Boston Tea Party.

Ask students to work in pairs or small groups to write a paragraph response from some or all of the following individuals:

• A casual, impartial observer who witnessed the tea party
• A participating member of the Sons of Liberty
• A Loyalist living near Boston
• A tax collector whose job was to collect the taxes owed on the tea
• A member of Parliament

Another way to engage students in writing from various viewpoints is to use primary sources, like the image below:

I use this image with my students while teaching my Road to Revolution Unit . The image is a political cartoon poking fun at the comically short life of the Stamp Act imposed by Parliament.

My students choose different people from the image and write the dialogue and/or inner thoughts the person may have had.

Using primary sources to help students write from different perspectives is definitely a highlight of any social studies unit!

Teach students how to write biographies!

When you need to integrate social studies and writing, biographies are a sure bet!

Biographies are common in social studies instruction and provide great writing practice.

Students must choose the most important facts and details from their subject’s life and synthesize that information into a manageable biography.

My students generally enjoy spending time diving into the story of a person’s life, especially if it’s someone they’ve chosen themselves.

I highly recommend completing a Biography Deep Dive with your students.

This post will tell you how to implement a Biography Deep Dive . You can even grab a free annotated list of suggested individuals for study!

Want to keep this blog post for later? Simply save this image to your teacher Pinterest board!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You may also enjoy...

How to Teach the Civil Rights Movement (Upper Elementary)

5th Grade Classroom Management Quick Start Guide

Teacher Organization Tips: How to Conquer Your Messy Classroom

How to Use the Hamilton Musical in Social Studies Class

5 Reasons You Should Talk to Your Upper Elementary Students about College

Five Paragraph Essays – How to Teach & Grade

What can i help you teach, find it here, let's connect, i'd love to connect with you.

Enter your first name and email address to join my exclusive VIP email club.

Copyright © 2020  | Thrive in Grade Five | All Rights Reserved

Quick Links

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Dianna Radcliff

Teaching Upper Elementary & more

How to Teach Social Studies in your Essay Writing and Reading Block

October 7, 2018 by Dianna Radcliff

Use Essay Writing as a time to teach Social Studies! Teaching Social Studies Content Standards during your Reading and Writing block is effective for many reasons.

Implementing Social Studies instruction into your Reading and Writing block doesn’t need to be hard! Covering specific content required in your standards can be accomplished at the same time that you model instruction in Reading and Writing.

The dilemma :

It’s no surprise that content areas such as Social Studies and Science have become squeezed out of most instructional days. The impact of state assessments in Math and Reading are the main cause of this. Also other factors like time demands towards Reading and Math.

Educators are still required to cover content area standards and produce grades for students as well. Many educators find during report card time, they have multiple grades for Math and Reading, yet fewer grades for Social Studies, Science and Writing.

Now that Science is a state assessment and there are more Social Studies passages in the Reading and Writing assessments, it is important to implement content into your ELA block.

Implement your Social Studies content into your Writing block as sources for your essay writing!

How to Make Teaching Social Studies in Essay Writing Work!

Tip: Look closely at your Social Studies Curriculum and Standards. Make a list of the Strands/Topics you are expected to cover. Read about what exactly you are suppose to deliver instruction on.

As a 5th Grade ELA teacher, my partner and I share Social Studies instruction for our two homerooms. Even though I’m not responsible for Science instruction, the truth is the Science assessments are based on Reading Informational Standards with Science content. I then took a closer look at how I could use subject area content not only to teach with Reading Informational Standards, but as well as my Essay Writing Standards.

For example, here are the topics that are expected to be covered through the Social Studies Standards and Strands as a Fifth Grade Teacher in Florida:

• Civics and Government
• American History

For Example:

Economics students need to be exposed to the Market and International Economy. Specifically Early America, Native Americans and Colonial Trade and Early Inventions.

Tip: Aside from what you are provided in the Social Studies curriculum in your building, research the content areas and make a running list of materials you can implement into your instruction.

Look in the 4 following places:

• Video Clips
• Virtual Field Trips
• Online Articles and Books in your Library
• Content covered in ReadWorks or Newsela

You main objective is to find informational sources to expose students to the content area you are focusing on. 

Try to find 2-3 article based sources and then follow with multimedia sources to deepen student comprehension. The 2-3 article based sources make it similar to what students will see in state essay writing assessments. Multimedia sources allow you the opportunity to expose the content in a visual way while implementing more of the Reading Informational standards.

Based off of research and knowing that I am expected to teach Multi-Paragraph Essay Writing…

I started creating Essay Writing Sources for my students to use along with Opinion/Persuasive and Informational Essay Writing Prompts.

These Writing Resources are available now in my store:

If you want to be notified when other Writing Resources are available join my email list below:

Thank you for subscribing!

Implementing Content Area in your Writing Block.

Once you have 2-3 sources [articles] to use in your Writing Block for your Essay you are ready to write about Social Studies content!

Tips to Implement for Essay Writing:

♥Create Prompts: You will want to create Informative and/or Opinion [Persuasive] Essay Writing prompts. Look at samples from your state assessment website to format prompts the same. This will help students to become familiar with the assessment format.

♥Set a Purpose for Essay Writing Exercise: Give your students the Essential Question or an Objective when beginning a new piece of Essay Writing. What to you want students to comprehend when reading the sources. Explain to students how this will correlate with the Essay Writing task.

♥Use a Color Coding Strategy for Planning the Essay:

Color Coding Strategy

Looking for FREE Essay Planning Pages? Grab yours HERE or by clicking below!

Tip: It is really great to use the exact text/content in your Reading Block and Writing Block.

This allows for Repeated Readings. Repeated Readings is a strategy you can model for students demonstrating how to increase comprehension and it is a test taking strategy. 

Teaching Reading Informational Standards:

♥reading sources:.

When it comes to reading the sources implement close reading and main idea strategies. Begin with numbering paragraphs. Then students will read one paragraph at a time. During this time students code information according to the coding key created, followed by annotating in the margin the main idea from each paragraph.

After students complete the process in each paragraph from the first source, they then go back and re-read the source, followed by re-reading in order their one sentence main ideas. Using these close reading and main idea strategies deepen students comprehension of the text resulting in an awareness of the most important pieces of evidence to use when planning and writing their essay.

♥Plan Ahead Each Nine Weeks:

Every year create a year long planning guide to utilize as a scope and sequence. It allows you to plan out the Social Studies content each nine weeks alongside the Reading Informational Standards.

So look at your calendar and ask yourself:

• What Reading Informational Standards am I covering this quarter or semester?
• What Social Studies or Science content am I covering this quarter or semester?

Once you have those answers, you can align your schedule to provide instruction of content areas through your ELA block.

♥Warm Read Models:

In your Reading Block, introduce the Standard and Objective. Then use a familiar text, one of the 3 writing sources, as a warm read. A warm read, meaning you have already introduced this specific source during the writing block therefore students have already seen the text. Model the informational standard through the warm read of Social Studies content.

This allows students to practice new and repeated skills, strategies and standards in a comfortable text.

Try implementing Social Studies content into your Writing Block with this resource!

I hope this process of implementing content area standards into your Writing Block will be helpful during planning.

Share this:

147 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project

Social studies is an integrated research field. It includes a range of topics on social science and humanities, such as history, culture, geography, sociology, education, etc. A social studies essay might be assigned to any middle school, high school, or college student. It might seem like a daunting task, but perhaps the most challenging part of the job is choosing the best topic from the many research topics in social studies. Sure, you might have a specific topic assigned to you.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

If you’re looking for social science research topics, you’re in the right place! Custom writing experts have prepared a fresh list of ideas! This article contains 147 social studies project topics on history, culture, politics, law, migration, and other fields.

New headings & sections:

• Social Study Areas => Social Science Topics & Research Areas
• Social Studies Topics on History => Social Studies Project Topics on History
• Other Social Studies Topics => Other Research Topics in Social Studies
• 🔝 Top 10 Topics

👨‍🎓 Social Study Areas

🎨 social studies topics on culture, 🏛️ social studies topics on politics & governance, 🏧 social studies topics on economics & consumption, 🏺 social studies topics on history, 💡 other social studies topics, 🔗 references, 🔝 top 10 social studies topics.

• Pros and cons of monarchy.
• Is voting a civic responsibility?
• Should democracy be everywhere?
• The causes of mass consumption.
• Globalization vs. Americanization.
• The elements of personal identity.
• What are the USA’s major resources?
• Do communication technologies impact politics?
• The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace
• How do religious institutions reinforce social stability?

Social studies can be represented by ten aspects described below:

• Culture. While working with social studies, you need to understand how culture shapes our society and affects our lives. It includes learning how people create, adapt to, and share their cultural diversity.
• People and the environment. This aspect helps students create their perception of the world and how human beings interact with their environment. It is achieved through learning about different locations, people, and resources that are there.
• Production and consumption. Here, it is all about studying how people manage the production and distribution of goods. Usually, this theme is represented by subjects connected with economics.
• Time. It is mostly related to history. Therefore, students get to know about the significant events and changes that influenced our present. In addition, they learn about the beliefs and values of our ancestors.
• Identity. This theme is vital because it allows learners to understand how personal identity develops. They find out how family, culture, and friends affect people’s actions and personal growth.
• Institutions and groups. There are multiple institutions created by people: families, colleges, governments, and religious organizations. This theme lets students understand how institutions are formed and maintained and what changes they bring.
• Authority and governments. One of the essential parts of social studies is the theme of authority. Thanks to it, students can understand how different forms of governance are created. It also includes analyzing the functions and purposes of political systems.
• Globalization. Learners are helped to discover the interconnections between societies and the issues they create on a global scale. Everything is interdependent nowadays, and the importance of global connections is rising.
• Civic ideas. Students need to understand civic ideas to be fully functioning independent members of society. This vital theme includes learning about citizen’s rights and responsibilities.
• Science and technology. This aspect is not only about the development of technology and scientific achievements. It is also about how society is connected to those processes. Moreover, students learn about their impacts on people.

If you are looking for social studies project topics on the culture, you might consider the following aspects.

Every social study project would focus on how cultural attributes, such as traditions, arts, literature, are created and shared. It is important to remember to highlight both differences and similarities while doing comparative research.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

One of the features of culture is that it’s dynamic and continuously changing, which means it is correlated with the personal development and beliefs of citizens. Moreover, you can look into the influence of culture on different political and religious institutions.

All in all, the list of topics in social studies below is all about the interconnection between culture and society. If you’re not a fan of the listed options, you can at least take the keywords and use a generator of random topics to write about . This will give you a lot more variants to choose from.

• The principles of the multicultural policy of Australia : benefits. Australia is one of the countries that support cultural diversity. The government even created an official policy based on four principles to ensure that everybody has equal rights to participate in the community.
• Indonesian communities and ancestor worships. Practices connected to ancestor worship are based on the belief that the spirits of the dead have the powers to affect the destinies of the living.
• The domestic etiquette of modern Americans . All cultures have different etiquette – a set of rules that governs social behavior. Those norms are changing along with the culture, but can also be different depending on the social situation.
• Gender issues and women in Medieval society. In the Middle Ages, women were not allowed to receive education, had limited social rights, and had to obey their fathers’ and husbands’ will.
• Gender roles : how are boys and girls raised in American families? Gender roles enforce some specific standards and expectations of how men and women should behave. Study the socially appropriate gender roles in modern families.
• Taboos and emotions in modern society. Taboo is something prohibited from doing under the fear of punishment. Even though taboos are originally related to the sacred and spiritual practices, today, people are banned from expressing some emotions.
• How have hippies created the US? This research would focus on the ways the hippie movement made a change in the history of the country. Their cultural practices have influenced many aspects of our lives.

• Family values and religion. The family has always been considered the base of a happy American life. However, to what extent has religion affected the most common family values?
• Why does political correctness matter so much today? Political correctness means the ban on using some phrases that may be inappropriate. As a cultural phenomenon, it was created by college students in America in the 1980s.
• Is our future in social responsibility ? Social responsibility is a policy that encourages people to act for the benefit of their community and society as a whole. Could this approach help us build a better future?

One of the most important themes of social studies is about politics. When conducting science research related to this topic, you should possess a considerable amount of knowledge and experience in the issues described below.

Understanding the existing systems of governance means also knowing how political views and institutions were created. In the constantly changing world, the functions of authorities are dynamic as well.

However, you should not forget to include the relationship with citizens in this equation. Every member of society has needs, rights, and responsibilities, issues with which should also be addressed.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

Here are some examples of social studies topics related to politics, which you may find useful:

• The American Whig party: a case study of the South. In the 19th century, the Whigs were one of two main political parties in the US. In this research, you could concentrate on analyzing the political tensions of this party in the South.
• Political parties and violence in the US. There are two major political parties nowadays. However, have you ever thought about why there are so much political violence and harsh competition between them?
• The change of the ideology of the Republican party after the Civil War. The Civil War has changed the perception of many people. It left a mark on the political views as well. Track the transformation of the Republican party’s ideology since then.
• Tory party and the British welfare under their rule. For the sake of some diversity, we have included a topic on the British political party as well. In this research, you would look into the social issues caused by the Tories.
• Is there a connection between anti-Americanism and anti-Semitic movement? Study the roots of anti-Americanism as a political view. Also, you can work on contrasting and comparing it to anti-Semitism.
• Student activism and the Black Power movement. This civil rights movement has been around for ages. For this research, you would need to study the Black Power’s topic and the student activism involved in it.
• The difficulties of the civil war in Sri Lanka. This island country has suffered the Sinhalese- Tamil conflict and the proceeding civil war. Your task would be to look into the complexities of this conflict.
• The power of Congress over presidential elections. It is one of the social science topics that requires gathering a lot of materials. You would have to analyze the Constitution and find the related cases in history.
• Voting technology: what can the law do against election fraud? Bribery and other corrupt practices in relation to the election process is not anything new. However, how can the law make a change?
• The most prominent political machines of the last decade. This paper would be interesting for students you prefer analyzing and comparing. You would need to gather information on the most prominent political machines in the US.
• A discussion of judicial independence
• Political culture in the U.S.
• A comparison of the models of democracy
• A comparison of electoral systems
• Authoritarianism vs. totalitarianism

Research topics in social studies on economics would always be related to the theme of production and consumption. You would have to understand how people manage to produce and sell goods and services worldwide.

There are multiple issues in the global economics that you, as a student, could address in your argumentative paper. It includes the unequal distribution of goods along with the growing demand.

You might as well find it interesting to research how the production of specific goods is organized and the role of technology in that process. It is also essential to look into how governments cope with market failures and how they improve the well-being of the economies.

• The flaws of the economic democracy system: a case study. Pick and analyze the issues that this socioeconomic system might have. It would be better if you add real-life cases to the analysis.
• Morality and global capitalism. Your task would be to analyze the five features of global capitalism and determine how it can be socially acceptable. Look through every moral issue that arises.
• The bankruptcy of the middle class in the US. This research focuses on the root causes, as well as consequences, of so many cases of bankruptcy among American middle-class families.
• Can we foresee the future of the European Monetary System? Ever since 1979, the Euro has been serving its purpose. However, this paper would highlight the economic factors that can lead to disruptions in this system.
• Wall Street : did we learn from the 2008 crash ? The year of 2008 punched many Americans, leaving their wealth reduced noticeably. But did we learn from past mistakes? Can we prevent the crisis from happening again?
• Understanding stock markets : profitable investments. To make a profitable investment, you need to know everything about the industry sector and stock market cycles. Compile the tips and tricks that can make it work.
• How has the Silk Road influenced the current global economy? Connecting East and West, those trade routes existed for centuries. For this cool research, you would need to analyze the current economic situation and find the features that exist thanks to the Silk Road.
• Coffee beans and fair trade . Selling coffee beans internationally, some communities and families depend on this business. However, how fair is this fair trade market? Who looks after social justice?
• Pros and cons of dollarization: a case study. Currency substitution or dollarization can’t solve the economic crisis. Study some cases of this process in different countries and analyze the benefits and problems of it.
• How to predict the exchange rate behavior? In this research, you would need to study the sources of changes in the exchange rates. You might as well look into the tools that might help predict the behavior of the rates.

• Provide real-life examples of how you or someone else plans their studies, controls pocket money, or organizes their working day.
• How organizations foster social and civic responsibility
• Crisis management post-9/11
• The growth of management in developing countries
• Conflict management in virtual and global teams
• An analysis of the benefits vs. cost of attaining a post-secondary education
• Wealth distribution and the availability of resources
• An examination of the trickle-down effect in today’s society
• Is the financial crisis of 2008 really over?
• How advertisements can create a sense of separation and association with the feminine identity
• The role of censorship in advertising
• The image of perfection in advertising
• Gender roles in advertising
• Rhetorical analysis of various marketing campaigns . How global corporations influence people’s decisions?
• Transnational organizations analytics. Determining the most appropriate and effective marketing strategies
• Advertisement analysis . The significance of the assessment in a rhetorical essay.
• Marketing reports . Explain the primary objectives of the document. When writing business or marketing essays, it is crucial to include analysis of particular examples.
• The importance of an analytical paragraph in a business essay. How does it help to define specific company’s strengths and weaknesses?
• Unethical advertising examples. What must be avoided when developing another strategy?
• Is it always worth it to spend immense amounts of money on risky advertising campaigns?
• Will the most common advertising methods work for every kind of a product?
• What issues must be considered when organizing an ad campaign?
• Positive and negative effects of advertising .

In the list of social science essay topics, there should always be at least a few questions dedicated to history. Unless we know our past, we can’t possibly understand human nature.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

For high school students, it is necessary to learn about the changes and different experiences in society. The way that values, traditions, and rules have been changing shapes our current development.

While looking for interesting social studies topics in this field, consider analyzing the root causes and consequences of different changes. Look into the ways how our social system has been developing, and you would find something exciting, for sure!

• What was the social meaning of corsets in the 20th century? Corsets are the part of the outfit that was designed to shape or modify the figure. By the 20th century, it has somewhat shaped the culture as well.
• Demystifying the stereotypes about 19th-century women in the US . There was war, and there were changes. How did the life a woman look like back then? Find the most common misunderstandings about it and conduct a historical analysis.
• African American : the historical study of social factors affecting crime. For this research, you could look into the cultural and social aspects that have influenced the response of African Americans to crimes and injustice.
• The changes in the lives of average American citizens in the 1930s. Urbanization and technological development shook the world in those years. Find out how Americans were adjusting to their new lives.
• How the environment shapes the perspective: the baby boomers ? In the example of the baby boomers’ generation, study the effects of the social and cultural aspects on identity and personal values.
• The process of development of Italian fashion and the US. You would be studying the historical facts in support of the idea that the US played an essential role in the Italian fashion industry development.
• Generation X and global leaders. This topic focuses on the most prominent world leaders in different areas. Your task would be to find the connection between the personal specifics of generation X and global leaders.
• Women in the Victorian Age and domestic rules. Conduct research on the ideology of Victorian women. What social challenges connected to industrialization were they forced to face?
• Servants in the American houses in the middle of the 20th century. In the 1920s, women started quitting their housewives’ chores and hiring servants to do them instead. You would look into the social sources of such a change in the domestic life of that time.
• What is the connection between social change and the American schooling system? Look into the development of the educational institutions in the US over a chosen period. Find out what social factors have affected the process.
• Civil disorders
• Political terrorism
• Non-political terrorism
• Limited political terrorism
• Expand on the problem of democracy and domestic terrorism
• A study of terrorist groups
• State-sponsored terrorism
• The tactics of terrorism
• The history of terrorism
• The causes of terrorism
• Responses to terrorism and counter-terrorism global policy
• For more topics ideas, check out Research Guide for Students .
• How enlistment in the U.S. Army works
• The top five army bases
• Customs and courtesies in the military
• The history of Memorial Day
• The threat of homelessness for veterans
• Turkic migration
• Mongol invasions
• Great migration of the 1630s
• Great migration of African Americans
• Government regulations
• Socially irresponsible corporations
• Antitrust provision
• International business law and legal regulations for international corporations and companies
• Business law in the Islamic world and how it differs from that of other countries

Criminology

• Crime prevention
• Juvenile delinquency
• Victimology
• Deviant behavior

When you write an essay on justice, you have a great opportunity to present your opinion on the subject. Here are some potential topics:

• Justice: A Myth or Reality?
• Tell about today’s idea of justice. What do people do to establish justice in the world?
• Give your reasons why absolute justice is impossible.
• How justice is portrayed in Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky
• Discuss the Heaven Justice

Gender Studies

• Women and the Taliban
• Chinese women as seen through the Chinese culture
• Women and Confucian cultures in Korea
• Witch hunts in the Western world
• The influence of feminism on men
• The challenge of feminist biblical interpretation
• Gender identity and the particulars of word-of-mouth communication
• How leadership styles differ based on gender
• Women empowerment
• Why do women think that their rights are neglected in free countries?
• Gender inequality : are men more likely to receive well-paid jobs than women with precisely same characteristics?
• Are men considered to be better employees than women ?
• Can feminists persuade the government to make changes in the law beneficial for them?
• Gender discrimination in everyday life
• The purpose of feminist demonstrations
• Are people concerned about the problem of gender inequality in their everyday lives?
• Where are the human rights of women neglected and why?
• Causes of gender inequality
• Is the factor of overall equality necessary for the development of the world or not?
• What are the most popular examples of equality among citizens of one country?

• Gender stratification definition. Where can it be observed in the modern society?
• What can be changed because of mass feminism?
• Gender stereotypes . Is everything that we hear about discrimination right?
• What is gender stratification ?
• Are females discriminated in the modern society, or this issue is fabricated?
• Gender roles in the workplace
• Factors contributing to gender inequality
• Disadvantages of gender equality
• Gender equality theory
• Gender imbalance definition. What is the origin of the term and where it is used?
• Gender superiority. Is it true that males were always dominant figures in the history?
• History of gender discrimination . Was this societal rule present in the prehistoric times, and when it was introduced?
• Gender disparity definition. What is the origin of the term and where it is used today?

This might be interesting for you:

• Funny Informative Speech Topics and Ideas for Presentation
• A List of Informative Speech Topics: Best Creative Topic Ideas
• Good Informative Speech Topics: How to Get Thunders of Applause
• Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
• Satirical Essay Examples and Best Satire Essay Topics
• 309 Human Rights Research Topics & Essay Ideas
• Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: The Introduction
• Social Studies Education Topics at Questia
• National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: Executive Summary
• Social Studies Topics at BrainPOP
• Social Studies Research Project Topics
• Social Studies Fair
• About Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
• 11 Smart Sociology Research Topics That Will Get You an A
• Reflective Essay On Social Studies
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Scientific Reports
• Social Work Research Guides
• Social Work Literature Review Guidelines
• How to Survive Peer Review in Social Sciences and Humanities
• Behavioral and Social Sciences Resources
• Social Studies Topics at Flocabulary
• Social Studies Lessons at TED-Ed
• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D....

Looking for a good argumentative essay topic? In need of a persuasive idea for a research paper? You’ve found the right page! Academic writing is never easy, whether it is for middle school or college. That’s why there are numerous educational materials on composing an argumentative and persuasive essay, for...

Persuasive speech is the art of convincing the audience to understand and trust your opinion. Are you ready to persuade someone in your view? Our list of sports persuasive speech topics will help you find a position to take and defend. If you need more options quick, apart from contents...

When you look for a good research paper topic, you can easily become the severest critic of any proposed idea. Some topics do not interest you at the very least, while others might shock your teachers. Where is the golden mean? Check out this list of top 100 research paper...

Can there possibly be anything fun about academic writing? It seems there is – what are all those fun persuasive speech topics then for, after all? However, creating a bunch of good topics might seem hard the first time around. No need to worry though – there’s always plenty of...

A persuasive speech on any topic is a performance designed to convince people about something and prove your point. Choosing a suitable topic is crucial for your speech’s success. Do you need some help with finding easy topics for a persuasive speech? Then check these fantastic and easy ideas from...

A proposal argument is an essay in which you describe a specific issue that needs fixing. It focuses on problem solutions. Are you interested in writing high-quality proposal essays? Or maybe you’re wondering what can make your writing truly outstanding? Here you will find answers to these questions as well...

Sometimes you just wish there was a marketplace with vendors shouting, “Topics for argument essays! Who wants inspirational topics to write about?” Well, you are lucky enough: you’ll find plenty of inspiring things here! Coming up with some argument essay topics is quite easy! In this article, you’ll find some...

Are you searching for original, thought-provoking, and really controversial debate topics? Here they are! Selecting any of these 25 controversial topics for debate from Custom-writing.org, you can guarantee a heated dispute in class or exciting polemics with your friends. But first, let’s figure it out, what is debate and how you should pick up great...

Perhaps, each person has unforgettable memories of school life. It might be their first day when everything seemed to be exciting and unknown. Or it might be some picnic or trip when they spent a great day outside with their classmates. Writing a high school experience essay requires you to...

We came up with this guide to make school essay writing easy for you. Need some creative writing topics for grade 8? Or recommendations for the 11th-grade expository paper? We’ve got you! Helpful tips and essay topics for grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12— our Custom-writing.org team has advice for everyone. Here, you’ll find: 205 great essay ideas; tips on how to write argumentative and persuasive papers. In fact, our recommendations will be...

Have you ever thought about the importance of transportation? Every day we see cars, trucks, planes, and ships and never wonder what exactly they are doing. In fact, these vehicles not only transport people from one place to another. They also form a vast system that plays a vital role...

Such an inspiring and candid glimpse into the life of a great man, Fred Hampton!! May he rest in Black Power!

Thank you for your feedback!

what can be the subject for exam fear

I am impressed!

I like those topics. How can I get the material?

I believe you can use some tips from this article .