The long essay is a traditional essay that is typically five paragraphs long. The first paragraph should introduce
the topic and state the student’s position / answer to the question. It should contain between three-five (3-5)
complete sentences, including the thesis statement for the essay.
The second, third, and fourth paragraphs are the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should contain between three
-five (3-5) sentences, including the topic sentence (first sentence of the body paragraph, states a main point that
supports the thesis) and at least two-three (2-3) specific examples per main point.
The fifth and final paragraph should begin with a restatement of the thesis. It should be three-five (3-5) complete
sentences, and include a brief summary/conclusion of your answer to the essay question. It is essential,
particularly in the survey courses, for students to provide cites and footnotes for their work in un-timed exams.
Citations must adhere to the Chicago Style format but perfection is not expected.
Topic: In 1860, the institution of slavery was firmly entrenched in the United States; by 1865, it was dead. How
did this happen? How did Union policy toward slavery and enslaved people change over the course of the war? Why did
it change?