United States History Bluebook Preparation Bluebook Exam on November 29, 2017 Mt. Lebanon High School

Today’s Goals View and understand sample practice thesis statements Review your practice thesis statements Understand what you “need” for the Bluebook essay Understand how to proceed in your preparations

Knowing the prompt Prompts will include “why” or “why not” (if only implicitly) 3 options on day of exam Here’s a non-history example: Has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our critical thinking abilities? Why or why not?

Sample Thesis Statements Advanced: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Prompt: Has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our critical thinking abilities? Why or why not?

Proficient: While electronic devices can be blamed for a decrease in thought, the accessibility of information the devices creates outweighs the distractions.

Below Basic: The immediacy of electronic devices has ruined our critical thinking abilities greatly.

Concession clause AKA: Concession or the “yes, but” Speaks to “why or why not?” Examples Advanced: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Proficient: While electronic devices can be blamed for a decrease in thought, the accessibility of information the devices creates outweighs the distractions.

Do you have what you need?

Includes insight rather than being factual Concession Let’s see . . . Position on prompt Includes insight rather than being factual Concession Prior to today, you were assigned to write a thesis for the sample prompt. Check it now to see if you have the above elements. Prompt: Has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our critical thinking abilities? Why or why not? marieclaire.com Students may think in terms of the three parts of a thesis as typically taught in English 9: Observation, how/why, but concession is new regardless

Sample breakdown Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Position Concession Aim for insight

is caring

Introduction Sets the scene (either by providing info on applicable history regarding the topic or introducing the big idea of your concept); 3-4 sentences Transitions between the above bullet and thesis Ends with an effective thesis Sets up your essay properly Ask students to set context for sample prompt below. Discussion rather than the creation of such an introduction should be sufficient as a review. Some possibilities may include the idea that even 2 decades ago few people had cell phones so the gathering information was much slower and more laborious. Games had to be played on televisions, research needed to be done at a computer or a library, etc. Prompt: To what extent has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our critical thinking abilities? princetontutoring.com

No dumping!

Body Paragraphs There will be 2-3 of them that do all of the following: Have a topic sentence Include carefully selected details that advance the argument using the most important historical evidence Touch on 1 major topic each with 2-3 examples as support Consider the opposing side of your position, examining and developing the “why” part of the prompt Make use of thoughtful, effective analysis Maintain accuracy of all historical events and references Have topic sentences to drive the argument within your position nanga.myfreeip.me Concession in one paragraph

Conceptual Layout for Sample Thesis Thesis: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Paragraph 1: Productivity for businesses (pre 2007); concession-technology makes me lazy Paragraph 2: Task management for groups non business (2007); concession-makes me isolated from others Paragraph 3: Problem-solving through grappling (circa 2011); concession- technology makes me selfishly gratified

Conclusion Restates the thesis first Reviews the basis of your position next, summarizing the rationale part of your thesis Establishes a broader historical Consider the connection to “what’s next” If we look at WWI in isolation, the effect of breadth is less caustic than if we look at WWI’s being a partial catalyst to WWII

Don’t leave your money on the table!

McCloskey’s Strategy: 1950s as “best of times” My answer: the best Keyword: Stability Historical details to consider: Corporate affluence; Cold War What else? My concession: not-so- good Keyword: Conformity Historical details to consider: Gender spheres, Minorities What else?

~Revise ~Create practice outlines ~Create practice thesis statements ~Consult your history teacher for content ~Consult an English teacher for additional writing tips