{"id":4267,"date":"2016-10-17T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?p=4267"},"modified":"2019-03-16T11:11:24","modified_gmt":"2019-03-16T18:11:24","slug":"how-to-start-a-history-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a History Essay Without Boring Your Reader to Death"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What\u2019s your first reaction to these opening lines?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><i>The Egyptians lived a long time ago.<\/i><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><i>Back in the day, kids worked in factories.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your reaction is a big yawn, I understand. Who wants to read lifeless writing like this? You might as well start your paper with, \u201cAttention: this essay will bore you to tears.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You need to spice up an opening, add some pizzazz, and write a catchy hook, so readers actually want to read what you write.<\/p>\n<p>So let\u2019s leave the dull introductions behind and move on to how to start a history essay with more engaging opening lines that won\u2019t bore your readers to death.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Start a History Essay Without Boring Your Reader to Death<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4389\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4696 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored.jpg\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4696 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20332%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20332%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored-300x199.jpg 300w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/bored.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Even though the old cliche says that you can\u2019t judge a book by its cover, we often do. And we judge essays (and other types of writing) by their first few lines.<\/p>\n<p>Think about it. How often have you started to read something online, then clicked to another article simply because you were bored with the first paragraph?<\/p>\n<p>This is <i>not<\/i> the reaction you want your readers (or your professor) to have when they read your paper.<\/p>\n<p>So how do you write that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/what-is-a-hook-sentence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">catchy opening hook<\/a> for your history paper? Check out these basic strategies on how to start a history essay&nbsp;that grabs&nbsp;your readers&#8217; attention.<\/p>\n<h3>Fascinating or Inspiring Quote<\/h3>\n<p>Let\u2019s face it, people have said some pretty interesting and awe-inspiring things throughout history, so why not pique your reader&#8217;s interest with a great quote?<\/p>\n<p>Which of these makes a better opening line if you\u2019re writing a paper about how hard Thomas Edison worked on his inventions?<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-life-and-works-of-thomas-edison-wvmnKJAa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thomas Edison tried lots of different things<\/a> before he finally came up with a good invention.<\/p>\n<p><b><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b><\/b><b><b>&#8220;I have not failed. I&#8217;ve just found 10,000 ways that won&#8217;t work.&#8221; \u2014<\/b><b><i>Thomas Edison<\/i><\/b><\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Obviously, the quote from Edison more accurately captures Edison\u2019s work ethic and his thoughts about persistence. Plus, it\u2019s much more engaging.<\/p>\n<p><b>Check out these other great quotes that bring history (and your paper) to life.<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2901 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2901 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>&#8220;If you can&#8217;t explain it simply, you don&#8217;t understand it well enough.&#8221;\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-life-and-education-of-albert-einstein-OaBO5aQB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Albert Einstein<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>\u201cFreedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.\u201d \u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-inventions-and-contributions-of-benjamin-franklin-to-american-colonies-BgYfyVRX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benjamin Franklin<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>&#8220;It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.&#8221; \u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-biography-and-early-life-of-us-president-abraham-lincoln-AkheJQk7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Abraham Lincoln<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2901 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2901 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\">&#8220;If you&#8217;re going through hell, keep going.&#8221; \u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/an-analysis-of-the-popular-winston-churchills-speech-on-may-13-1940-dBSLbURJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Winston Churchill<\/i><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Keep in mind that just because you\u2019re using a quote from Churchill or Einstein, it doesn\u2019t mean that your paper has to be about them. Sometimes, a simple quote from someone else can be the perfect opening to capture the theme or focus of your paper.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a few basic quotes for your own paper, you might try <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brainyquote.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brainy Quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-tweet-clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-click-to-tweet\">\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Just+because+it%E2%80%99s+on+the+Internet+doesn%E2%80%99t+mean+it%E2%80%99s+true%21+Before+using+a+quote+in+your+essay%2C+make+sure+it%E2%80%99s+legit.&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\">Just because it\u2019s on the Internet doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s true! Before using a quote in your essay, make sure it\u2019s legit.<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Just+because+it%E2%80%99s+on+the+Internet+doesn%E2%80%99t+mean+it%E2%80%99s+true%21+Before+using+a+quote+in+your+essay%2C+make+sure+it%E2%80%99s+legit.&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"tm-ctt-btn\">Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-tip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Remember, though, just because it\u2019s on the Internet doesn\u2019t always mean it\u2019s true! You should definitely search for the quote through a quick Google search to make sure it\u2019s legit. You can also use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/apply-craap-test-essay-sources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CRAAP <\/a>test to see if your source is credible.<\/p>\n<h3>Shocking Statistic<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4388\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4695 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg.png\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg-294x300.png 294w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4695 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20510%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20510%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg-294x300.png 294w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/omg.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Many times, you don\u2019t really understand the true intensity of a situation until you see the numbers.<\/p>\n<p>Ever get your cell phone bill and look at just how many texts you sent last month? Shocking, right?<\/p>\n<p>Shocking statistics in the opening of your paper can have the same effect on your readers. The statistics will not only grab readers\u2019 attention, but will also help them see the importance of your topic.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example. Which of these is a better opener?<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><\/a>Thousands of people died in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/slavery-as-the-cause-and-driving-force-of-the-civil-war-EW2UyTLr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Civil War<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a>About 750,000 men died during the Civil War, more than 2.5% of the population of the United States at the time.<\/b><\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Again, it\u2019s pretty clear that the second example is more intriguing because it illustrates the gravity of the situation by showing just how many men died during the war.<\/p>\n<h3>Question<\/h3>\n<p>Asking readers to think about a topic in a new light is a great way to keep them reading. Once you\u2019ve got them thinking about something, they\u2019ll keep reading to (hopefully) learn the answer to your question.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-tweet-clear\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tm-click-to-tweet\">\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Ask+readers+to+think+about+a+topic+in+a+new+light.+Get+them+thinking%2C+and+they%27ll+keep+reading%21&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ask readers to think about a topic in a new light. Get them thinking, and they&#8217;ll keep reading!<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Ask+readers+to+think+about+a+topic+in+a+new+light.+Get+them+thinking%2C+and+they%27ll+keep+reading%21&#038;via=kibin&#038;related=kibin&#038;url=https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"tm-ctt-btn\">Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"tm-ctt-tip\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example to help illustrate my point:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>Should morphine be an ingredient in over-the-counter children\u2019s pain relievers?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This opening line makes readers wonder why anyone would ask such a question. Clearly, no one today would consider adding morphine to over-the-counter medications (whether for children or adults).<\/p>\n<p>This question, though, relates to the fact that a <a href=\"http:\/\/thequackdoctor.com\/index.php\/mrs-winslows-soothing-syrup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">19th century medicine for children<\/a> included morphine as part of its list of ingredients. Thus, it could make a great opening question for a paper about the history of medications or their regulation.<\/p>\n<h3>Concession<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession.jpg\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-4387\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4694 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession.jpg\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession-225x175.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4694 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20387%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"how to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20387%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession-225x175.jpg 225w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/concession.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>No, I don\u2019t mean concession as in starting your paper with a discussion of things you can buy at a concession stand (unless, of course, your paper is actually about concessions or concession stands, then the history of the corn dog might be entirely appropriate).<\/p>\n<p>A <i>concession<\/i> simply means that you address the opposite view of the point you\u2019re making in your paper.<\/p>\n<p>While it may seem like you shouldn\u2019t even acknowledge the opposition, this strategy actually makes your argument stronger because readers can see that you have done your research and are able to refute the opposition.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s a quick example:<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>Even though many people argue that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the JFK assassination, there were, in fact, a group of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/a-reasoning-behind-the-jfk-conspiracy-against-the-single-assassination-theory-Laz6ulTN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">conspirators responsible for Kennedy\u2019s death<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>With one of the above approaches, learning how to start a history essay without boring your readers to death isn&#8217;t hard, right?<\/p>\n<h2>After the Opening Line<\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget that there\u2019s more to the introduction than a great hook, though. You still need to craft the perfect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-thesis-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thesis statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A thesis statement for a history paper is like a thesis statement for most essays. It needs to provide a clear direction for your paper.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, avoid those quick thesis statements that you write simply to say you have a thesis statement. You know the type. They look like this:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><\/a>This paper will focus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-effects-of-nafta-in-the-united-states-and-mexico-ThTgtSua\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">implications of NAFTA on the United States<\/a>. <i>(This thesis doesn\u2019t work because it simply announces the topic of the paper and not the stance or focus.)<\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2902 size-full alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"red x\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/red-x-e1419626342132.png\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/a-discussion-on-the-consequences-of-world-war-ii-25J2HW6I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World War II was a horrible war<\/a>&nbsp;that killed many people. <i>(This thesis is vague and doesn\u2019t provide any type of insight or argument.)<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Another problem is that these two thesis statements make factual statements about the topic. Remember, the goal of a history paper is to support an argument or offer insight into a historical topic. Don\u2019t simply report facts.<\/p>\n<p><b>Here are two sample thesis statements that identify the focus of the paper, offer insight and argument, and won\u2019t bore your readers:<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>The Patriot Act resulted in a number of increased <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/the-problem-of-the-patriot-act-in-the-united-states-Wsgh6JCs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">security and surveillance measures that violate constitutional freedoms<\/a>. <i>(This thesis is clear and specific and provides an arguable focus.)<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2901 alignleft lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%2025%2025%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"green check\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/green-check-e1419626314539.png\"><\/a><\/b>Though some argue that anti-Semitism ended with WWII, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-examples\/an-analysis-of-anti-semitism-in-the-world-today-uaZCVJ7d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">anti-Semitism is still prevalent in society today<\/a>. <i>(This thesis is specific and presents a strong argument.)<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>After the Introduction &#8230; Moving Past How to Start a History Essay<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward.png\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4697\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward.png\" alt=\"How to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward-300x185.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4697 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20309%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"How to start a history essay\" width=\"500\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20309%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward.png 500w, https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward-300x185.png 300w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/forward.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I realize there\u2019s more to writing a good history paper than writing a great introduction, so here are a few more resources to help you write your history paper:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/13-history-essay-topics-will-bring-essay-life\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">13 History Essay Topics That Will Bring Your Essay to Life<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-history-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Write a History Paper That Will Go Down in History<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-find-primary-sources-for-your-essay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Find Primary Sources for Your History Essay<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So get going, and make history by writing an award-winning history essay!<\/p>\n<p>By the way, even award-winning essays can need help with revision and editing, so why not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-editing-proofreading\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">have a Kibin editor review your paper<\/a>?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What\u2019s your first reaction to these opening lines? The Egyptians lived a long time ago. Back in the day, kids worked in factories. If your reaction is a big yawn, I understand. Who wants to read lifeless writing like this? You might as well start your paper with, \u201cAttention: this essay will bore you to &hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"blog-read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-start-a-history-essay\/\" class=\"more-link btn btn-primary\"><b>Read more<\/b><span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How to Start a History Essay Without Boring Your Reader to Death&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8264,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[113,75],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Start a History Essay Without Boring Your Reader to Death<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need a catchy opening for your history paper? 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