Essay Structure: usually 5 paragraphs (thesis, 3 groups, conclusion) Thesis paragraph  Specific thesis that addresses the topic and identifies groups Group 1 paragraph  Topic sentence (identifies group and docs)  Evidence from each document (NOT SUMMARY!)  POV for each document (if applicable)  AD for each document (if applicable) Group 2 paragraph  Same as Group 1 Group 3 paragraph  Same as Group 1 Conclusion paragraph  Creatively restate thesis

Analyze philosophies concerning the role of the individual in society.

Thesis A common problem is lack of a specific thesis that addresses the topic. A poor thesis? “There were differing views concerning the role of the individual in China, India, and Europe.” This thesis is non-specific. What differing views? Better? European societies supported individuality while Chinese and Indian cultures rejected the significance of the individual. Expanded Core Thesis? While European societies valued the individual and promoted individualism, Indian and Chinese societies rejected the role of the individual and put hierarchy and law in its place.

Evidence Do not simply summarize what the author said in the documents and do not quote the document. The reader can read the document. Poor analysis: The Upanishads say that the law is above all and keeps all in their own role which strengthens scoiety. Problem? This is a summary of what the doc says not document analysis. What does this document say about the role of the individual in society? Good analysis: Indian Hindus were taught that although people may be different, as shown by their many gods, they should all work together for the advancement of society. Their religion commanded them to follow the law of society not their own desires (DOC 1).

Expanded Core Analysis? Hindu societies relied on the following of Dharma, sacred law, in order to live a good life. An individual must follow this code and adhere to it since Dharma was above man. Hindu belief discouraged humanism, teaching that man could not act for himself, this would result in shame. The Hindu culture even provided consequences for individualism through the caste system (Doc 1).

POV Avoid simply writing what is contained in the source for your POV. Analyze why someone believed this way or why they wrote the document in question. You need to always consider how a person’s view might be impacted by their time in history, their role in society, or what they hoped to accomplish by writing the document. Poor POV analysis: “Protagoras is an Athenian philosopher and Athens was a Democracy.” This identifies his profession and a fact about Athens. Make the connection clear. Better POV analysis : Protagoras is a philosopher and a male in Athens who gets the right of citizenship in this Democratic society. He may only acknowledge the privilege of individual expression he has.

Expanded Core POV Analysis? Athenian philosopher Protagoras may have adopted this view because he lived in in the birthplace of Democracy, where forums and towns squares encouraged the people’s participation in politics and city events. The role of man in the society in which he lived played an integral part in the advancement of that society leading Protagoras to believe in the necessity of individualism.

Additional Document Request must be specific and explained, not just stated. Why would this document be helpful in ANSWERING THE QUESTION? Poor A.D. request? (DOC 5) “A commoner’s account is needed because Ashoka is an elite from the upper classes.” Good A.D. request: A journal written by a common citizen is needed to confirm that the rejection of individualism is supported throughout India. Expanded Core AD Request? Ashoka was the king and naturally wanted to control his people so an additional document written by a person outside of the government, like a poem by a citizen, would help in understanding if these beliefs carried into common lives.

Essay Structure: usually five paragraphs (thesis, three groups, conclusion) Thesis paragraph Specific thesis that addresses the topic Group 1 paragraph Topic sentence (“Roman views toward individualism are shown in Documents 1 and 3”) Evidence from each document POV for document (if applicable) AD for each document (if applicable) Group 2 paragraph Topic sentence Evidence from each document POV for document (if applicable) AD for each document (if applicable) Group 3 paragraph Topic sentence Evidence from each document POV for document (if applicable) AD for each document (if applicable) Conclusion paragraph Creatively restate thesis