A. Background information (3 sentences; give the reader some context)
B. Thesis Statement (typically 1 sentence; the last sentence of the introduction) a. Claim: your answer to the prompt b. Assertions: the reasons why you think what it is you think c. Claim + Assertions = Thesis
Paragraph #2: Body Paragraph (repeat this step as needed)
A. Assertion: Also known as the topic sentence. The assertion for your first body paragraph should be the first assertion listed in your thesis statement. B. Example: This will typically be a quote from the primary or secondary sources. Be sure to introduce the quote. C. Explanation: A quote does not explain itself. You need to explain how the quote is helping you prove your assertion. D. Significance: Explain why this paragraph is important
Paragraph #3: Conclusion (for now)
A. Restate your thesis B. Restate your main ideas
Do not write in the first or second person (no I or you)
Do not write I think, just say what you have to say Spelling and grammar count Never call someone by their first name; dont call John Smith John, refer to people by their last names. There is no apostrophe when writing years, I.E., 1600s