2. Learning Targets Choose a position on a historical issue. Compose an essay which defends your position. Defend your position with three reasons which are supported with accurate historical facts.

3. 1. THE TOPIC SENTENCE Should NOT be one word! i.e. “No.” “Yes.” Should NOT include “because” Should NOT begin with “I think” or “I believe” Should be specific and explain your position Example: Current legal immigration policies are fair.

4. 2. Reasons Should include AT LEAST THREE reasons Should support your topic sentence Could start with a transition word/phrase EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year. Note: It fits with the topic sentence: Current legal immigration policies are fair.

5. 3. Supporting Examples and Explanations Should use SPECIFIC examples from the unit for each reason Can use “because” or “so” to link them to the reason EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year so some immigrations who need protection from persecution have a refuge.

6. 3. Supporting Examples and Explanations Can also be a separate sentence, but make sure it specifically explains the reason EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year. This protects people from persecution and shows that the United States welcomes immigrants who need a safe refuge.

7. 4. Conclusion Should wrap up the essay and let the reader know that the essay is done. Should sound different than your topic sentence EXAMPLE: Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.

8. The Topic Sentence & the Conclusion NOTE: See how these connect, but do not repeat one another: TOPIC SENTENCE: Current legal immigration policies are fair. CONCLUSION:Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.

9. Working on your own conclusions ….

10. Paragraph Essay Example Current legal immigration policies are fair. First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year. This protects people from persecution and shows that the United States welcomes immigrants who need a safe refuge. Secondly, the United States allows immediate family members of citizens and legal residents to immigrate here. This allows families to be together in the same country, instead of unfairly living apart. Finally, the United States holds a Diversity Visa Lottery. The lottery allows people from underrepresented countries an equal chance of being allowed into the United States. Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.