TURN IN ACT III QUESTIONS AND VOCAB! TAKE OUT YOUR BRAINSTORM! TAKE OUT PAPER FOR NOTES! Bell Ringer10/22

TODAY WE WILL SPEND 20 MINUTES ON THE INTRODUCTION OF YOUR PAPER. DO NOT FALL BEHIND! TAKE NOTES!!! ACTS

Main Idea/ Topic Position Before you begin writing ANYTHING, you must first pick a position. Read your prompt and find something that you connect with. Make sure you touch all questions that are being asked.

Writing your Thesis Statement Main Idea = Rephrase the prompt and decipher the main idea. Your Position = what is your opinion? What is your stance? Counter Argument = How do you differ from others? What do they think? Importance = What is the purpose and importance of your claim?

Prompt #1 Main Idea =  Native American and Puritan values and traditions are seen clearly through the literature that was written during those time periods. Your Position =  Despite having had a strong foundation of morals, traditions, and values, America’s collective identity has faltered. Counter Argument =  Many believe that America still maintains the core values. Importance =  We have drifted so far from our roots and our convictions, that we no longer resemble “true Americans.” We have evolved into something and we need to reevaluate our purpose on this earth.

Prompt #1 THESIS STATEMENT Despite the Native Americans, and even some Puritan traditions, creating a strong foundation of values and morals, present-day America’s identity has faltered. We have drifted so far from our roots and our convictions that we no longer resemble “true Americans.” We have evolved into something else and we need to revert back to old values in order to reevaluate our purpose on this earth.

Prompt #2 Main Idea =  tracing back to the beginning of America, as documented in literature, there have always been people who challenge conformity in order to make an identity. Your Position =  Throughout history, and even in today’s world, there have been significant figures who take the risk of having to face the hard scrutiny of not conforming to societal norms. Counter Argument =  Many people believe that following others is the path of least resistance, and, therefore, the path that should be taken. Importance =  Without those brave individuals who stood up for their own individuality, this world would be a black hole of nothingness filled with drones.

Prompt #2 THESIS STATEMENT Many people believe the following others is the path of least resistance, but tracing back to the beginning of America, there have always been people who challenge conformity in order to form an identity. Throughout history, there have been significant figures who take the risk and face the consequences of not conforming to societal norms. Without those brave individuals, this world would lack diversity and expression.

ACTS Attention Grabber = introduce the topic of your essay in a strong opening statement. Connector = transition the reader from your opening statement to your thesis by introducing the title of the work and the author in a way that is connected to your topic. Thesis Statement = present your thesis which provides the argument you will prove throughout the essay. Supporting Points = present the points you will discuss in your body paragraphs.

My Introduction Prompt #1 “We shall listen, not lecture; learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others and showing respect for them.” Theodore C. Sorensen’s outlook of American values is something that we no longer see in today’s America. Native Americans founded this earth with strong traditions and morals, but somewhere along the way they were lost. There is a noticeable difference between behavior from creation myths, like “The Navajo Origin,” and through works like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Despite the Native Americans, and even some Puritan traditions, creating a strong foundation of values and morals, present-day America’s identity has faltered. We have drifted so far from our roots and our convictions that we no longer resemble “true Americans.” We have evolved into something else and we need to revert back to old values in order to reevaluate our purpose on this earth.

My introduction Prompt #2 “The American is a new man, who acts upon new principles; he must therefore entertain new ideas and form new opinions…” John De Crevecoeur clearly stated his opinion of what a true American is in his text “What is an American.” Throughout various works, such as The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the American identity has changed over time due to the individuals who are willing to take a chance to try something new. Many people believe the following others is the path of least resistance, but tracing back to the beginning of America, there have always been people who challenge conformity in order to form an identity. Throughout history, there have been significant figures who take the risk and face the consequences of not conforming to societal norms. Without those brave individuals, this world would lack diversity and expression.