1. Overview: Basically a change over time essay is a comparison essay where time periods are compared.
2. Read the question carefully and determine the theme, areas, and time periods to be compared. Make sure you write a thesis statement that specifically addresses all three pieces of this information. The thesis must also address change as well as continuity. The thesis should take a stance on level of change
3. Set up a three-column chart (or series of charts) with a beginning date, an end date, and a reference point in the middle. (If the question spans multiple time periods, 1450-1914, for example, your time markers might be 1450, 1750, 1914). There may be several reference
4. In this chart, list the status of the theme at the beginning of the time period given, at the middle marker, and at the end of the time period given. List at least two (preferably three) examples for each time period.
5. Note the changes as well as continuities (things that remain the same)
6. Analyze at least one reason for a change or continuity per paragraph. In other words, do not simply describe the change or continuity, but spend some time explaining why the change or continuity occurred.
7. A. Preferred set up – by body paragraph (Change-Continuity-Global Context)
Topic #1: changes and what caused them (beginning, change, end) Topic #2: continuities and why (beginning, middle, end) Topic #3: global context of things (what else is happening in the world)
PREWRITE (Note: establish chronology within each paragraph)
The Beginning -
Change topic(s)
What was the change?
Causes of change?
Inpact of change 3 Facts
Analysis Phrase
Continuity topic(s)
What remained the same?
Why? 3 Facts
Analysis Phrase
Global context topic(s) 3 Facts
Analysis phrase ESSAY FORMAT – CCOT
#1 Change Topic Sentence
Fact
Fact
Fact
Analysis - This changed occurred because ….
#2 Continuity Topic