Hi! Can anyone help me with this assignment...?

Using the primary source documents and information from your chapter, form a thesis that describes why Herodotus referred to Egypt the way he did (Why he referred to Egypt as the “gift of the Nile.”) Then, write a 550-word essay to support your thesis position. You are NOT to use any other secondary sources other than your text. Try to avoid use of quotations. If you must quote, then it can only be phrases from the primary sources.

I did the the 1st part of the assignment. as of why Herodotus referred the Nile as an important part of Egypt. Here's my answer:

Herodotus referred to the Nile River the way he did because it is quite true, the river is the most important physical feature in Egypt. Herodotus describes the Nile as important because he believes that without the Nile, the people wouldn’t be able to survive without the river for all of its water. He was fascinated with the idea of the Nile’s annual flood that brought water to the fields.

Now I need help writing a 550 word essay and i have to support my thesis? I have no idea what I have to do for this part. What exactly do i have to write about? I think 550 is too much but i have to do it but i don't even know what to do..

We have no access to your text and/or source documents. We would need morer information.

Sra

This looks like your thesis statement:

Herodotus describes the Nile as important because without the Nile, the people wouldn’t be able to survive.

As you think about supporting arguments, and research your text and primary documents, look for:

annual flooding
irrigation and drinking water
transportation

You'll need to explain each of the above.

Ms. Sue is right. Only one part of this is your thesis statement (read: ONE sentence):

Herodotus referred to the Nile River the way he did because it is quite true, the river is the most important physical feature in Egypt. Herodotus describes the Nile as important because he believes that without the Nile, the people wouldn’t be able to survive without the river for all of its water. He was fascinated with the idea of the Nile’s annual flood that brought water to the fields.

As a whole, what you wrote is very squishy and vague. You should take the one sentence Ms. Sue pointed out and build on it as she explained.

I know my writing is always squishy and vague :/ i was never really am good at writing. but the important thing is that now i know what i have to do

Thanks a lot everyone

You'll do fine. What Ms. Sue pointed out is the need for you to get specific!! Now that you know what to do, go get an A! =)

You're very welcome, Mel.

When I was in Egypt about 30 years ago, I saw people washing their clothes and taking baths in the Nile. Fields were irrigated with simple hand turned water wheels. It was amazing to see that Egypt is sheer desert -- except for a narrow strip along the Nile where crops flourished from the irrigation and rich soil. On one side of the road paralleling the river was lush farmland; on the other side was pure sand and villages set several hundred feet back from the farms.

Writing a 550-word essay to support your thesis can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're unsure about what to include. However, with the right structure and approach, you can effectively develop your essay and provide strong evidence to support your thesis statement. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Introduction (50-75 words)
- Start with a catchy opening sentence or a brief historical context about Herodotus and his work.
- State your thesis statement clearly, emphasizing why Herodotus referred to Egypt as the "gift of the Nile."

2. Body paragraphs (350-400 words)
- Divide your body into three paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your thesis. Here are some ideas:
- Paragraph 1: The Nile as the lifeblood of Egypt
- Explain the significance of the Nile River in providing water for everyday life, agriculture, and transportation.
- Use specific examples from primary sources to demonstrate Herodotus's fascination with the Nile's essential role in Egyptian society.

- Paragraph 2: The Nile's annual flood and its impact
- Describe Herodotus's observations of the annual flood and its benefits to Egyptian agriculture.
- Discuss how the Nile flood influenced the economic prosperity of Egypt and its impact on the people's livelihoods.
- Incorporate primary source excerpts that highlight Herodotus's impressions of the flood's importance.

- Paragraph 3: Herodotus's portrayal of Egypt as a divine gift
- Explore Herodotus's belief in Egypt's divine connection to the Nile.
- Discuss how religious and cultural beliefs influenced the way Herodotus portrayed Egypt as a gift bestowed by the Nile.
- Provide primary source evidence that supports Herodotus's depiction of Egypt's close association with the Nile.

3. Conclusion (50-75 words)
- Recapitulate your thesis statement and briefly summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
- Conclude by emphasizing the significance of Herodotus's portrayal of Egypt as the "gift of the Nile" in understanding ancient Egyptian civilization.

Remember to avoid direct quotations and instead paraphrase or summarize ideas from your primary sources. Additionally, make sure to use strong transitional phrases to ensure a smooth flow of your essay.

As for meeting the word count, ensure that each body paragraph adequately explores the topic while supporting your thesis. You might also consider adding additional examples, elaborating on certain points, or offering counterarguments to strengthen your essay.

Good luck with your assignment!