Cracking the Global Regents Thematic Essay

• Here is a Thematic Essay based on what we have been studying in class: the Protestant Reformation, specifically, the impact of Martin Luther.

• Here is a simple way to “crack” the Regents Essay Format.

• The Thematic Essay is not going to change; this format will help you to think your way through any thematic essay.

The Reformation: Thematic Essay

Thematic Essay:

• Theme: Throughout History, the actions of leaders have changed the society in which they lived.

• Task: Identify two leaders who changed the society in which they lived, and for each:– Describe one situation the leader attempted to change.– Describe one action the leaders took to change the

situation.– Discuss the impact of that action on the society in which

the leader lived.

The Essay is in two “pieces”: Theme/Task

• A idea applying to many Global Units

• Gives you a major idea to focus on...

“Theme”

• This is your “map” for the Essay

• Usually gives you two or three things to do.

“Task”• Intro: Reflects both

Theme and Task• Body Paragraphs =

Following “Task” carefully...

“Cracking the Essay”

What two “pieces” comprise this Thematic?

Leaders who Have Changed Society

Luther is the leader

you choose!

“Change Essay”

Trigger Words:

• What are these triggers asking you to do?

• Identify =

• Describe =

• Discuss =

“Trigger Words” on this Essay

Identify: Leader

Describe: Situation/Action

(s) Taken

Details/Facts/Examples

Details/Facts/Examples

Discuss: Impact on Society Your Analysis

“Trigger Words” Applied to This Question

Luther

Describe: Situation/Action

(s) Taken

Discuss: Impact on Society

How to Construct Your “Three Step” Intro:

Big Picture = “Theme”

Narrow Focus = Global “Example”

Direction = Task Statement

“Luther” Essay: Your Thoughts?

Simple Reminders:

• Theme = Global Issue that we see in many eras in our course.

• Task = At least two choices/examples you will have to make.

• For each of these choices...you will normally have to perform a few “tasks”

• Follow the task specifically, (Trigger Words) and your body paragraphs will be easily determined.

• Once you organize your essay, work backwards, and then compose your introduction.

Organizing Your Essay:

• Ok...how do go about organizing the Essay?• Always consider your task...• It will lead you to at least two or three

“things” you have to do.• These things will lead you to how many body

paragraphs you should have.• Let’s look back at the question:

Task to Paragraph Equation: (1 to 1)

–Describe one situation the leader attempted to change. (¶)–Describe one action the leaders took to

change the situation. (¶)–Discuss the impact of that action on the

society in which the leader lived. (¶)–Three body paragraphs!!!

Body Paragraph 1:

¶ #1 Describe the Situation =

Talk about the Abuses of the

Catholic Church

Be sure to use specific terms

and examples...

Body Paragraph #2

¶ #2 Describe the Action

taken =

Luther/95 Theses

Include the Catholic

Response

Body Paragraph #3

¶ #3 Discuss the impact on

Society

Catholic Counter-

Reformation

Growth of other

Protestant Religions