What is a primary source essay, and what steps must you take in writing one?

A primary source is one that originates at the time an event is happening, so a primary source essay would be an essay about an account that was written at the time that the event had happened. Here are the steps to writing one:

1. You will first need to do some background reading. When you are doing this background reading pay close attention to the description of the event as well as to the important names, places, and terms.

2. Carefully read and analyze the primary source at least once, if not more.

3. Write the thesis. You will present the main idea (the thesis) followed by the evidence that supports this main idea.

4. Organize an outline. The thesis statement and the outline provide the framework for your essay.

5. Write the essay.