Writing Checkpoints US History

Write this down Rule # 1 - Past tense vs. Present tense History class = write in the past tense “History happened in the past” English class = write in the present tense “English happens in the present”

Examples They move into their new home next week. The sun sets in the west. She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996. Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.

Write this down Rule # 2 – Person references Only write in the third person Third person (he, she, it, they) Never write in the first or second person First person (I, me, we, us) Second person (you)

Examples How many of you say, How did Watergate change America? “I believe….” “I think…” How did Watergate change America? “I think Watergate changed America because…..”

Write this down Rule # 3 – Contractions No contractions in professional writing Don’t = Do not Shouldn’t = Should not Wouldn’t = Would not

Write this down Rule # 4 – Stand Alone Quotes (SAQ) Set up each one of your quotes/pieces of evidence differently Sinclair stated, “….. Sinclair said, “…. Sinclair stated, “……

Examples Needs Improvement: Sinclair states, “There had been meat that had tumbled out on the floor in the dirt and sawdust, where the workers had tramped and spit uncounted billions of consumption germs.” Improved: During his investigations Sinclair had found meat, “that had tumbled out of the floor in the dirt and sawdust…….”

Last Week Tonight DBQ Your response must meet all of the “New Writing Rules” Due Monday, September 26th at 8:59 AM on Turnitin.com Must bring a hard-copy to class and submit to me at the start of class