Introduction Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 Conclusion

Introduction  catchy opener  factNothing too flowery!  statisticGet to the point...  quote(and definitely don’t start w/a question)  transition sentences - link opener to...  THESIS STATEMENT which is last sentence in introductory paragraph

Thesis Statement= OPINION/ANSWER TO QUESTION + THREE SUPPORTING DETAILS ALL IN ONE SENTENCE

Here are some examples of thesis statements: Despite overwhelming public support, the Equal Rights Amendment was defeated because the Constitution is difficult to change, there was a backlash against feminist tactics, and women were afraid of being drafted. OR Because the Constitution is difficult to change, there was a backlash against feminist tactics, and women were afraid of the draft the ERA had little chance of being ratified by three-fourths of the states.

A thesis statement needs 1)An opinion stem ( your basic answer to the question) 2) Three reasons/supports for your opinion

A few reminders: The thesis statement is… the LAST sentence in your introduction only ONE sentence long restated in your CONCLUSION AND it is NOT written in the first person. No “I think” “I believe” or “I” anything!! Not anywhere in this paper!

THESIS STATEMENT is at end of first paragraph... then comes: body paragraph one (first point/proof) body paragraph two (second point/proof) body paragraph three (third point/proof) conclusion

Overview of Body/Support Paragraphs Identify your sub-topic/point in the topic sentence of each paragraph. Support your point by using the document/s that are relevant. Use quotes wisely. It should be obvious why each document was selected to help support your point. FACTS & EXAMPLES!!

How to Reference a Document in Your Essay Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet, Common Sense, said: “………………….” Joe Smith, a mid-Western delegate to the Republican convention in 1912, agreed with….. The 19 th century historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, felt that …………………. NEVER say “In document three...”

Concluding Paragraph Start with a concluding phrase/nice transition. Re-state thesis in a new, interesting way. End by putting your essay into a larger historical context: end of trend/movement/idea beginning of trend/movement/idea momentous event, etc.