To: Algebra & Computer Concepts Class

From: Mr. Palmer

RE: Directions for a five paragraph paper on an historical figure

Date: 2003-2004 School Year

            You are to write a five paragraph research paper, about 300 to 500 words, on an important historical figure in the field you we are studying. I will supply you with the name of the person to research. The title of your paper should be as follows:

The Life and Work of (your topic person)

This paper should have five paragraphs organized as follows:

First paragraph: Historical setting of the person’s life. Include information about when and where they lived, the personal and economic circumstances of their family life, the political, religious, and social aspects of the larger culture, and other information that will help the reader understand your subject’s personal and social life circumstances.

Second paragraph: Your subject’s education. How did the person you are studying gain his or her education. Did they attend college? Was there a special teacher that had a special influence on them? Were there other figures who influenced their early work?

Third paragraph: Your subjects main contribution to their field of study. Describe what your subject invented or created for which they are most remembered.

Fourth paragraph: Who did he or she influence during their own lives? Did he have students? Did he teach in a school somewhere? Were there other people he worked with for whom he was a mentor?

Fifth paragraph: Concluding paragraph summarizing his longer term historical importance. Consider questions such as: What impact is his contribution having today? Where would we be if he had never lived? How is his contribution still being used?