The Thesis statement
revisited
Reading the Question
O 1. You need to identify
the historical thinking
skill being assessed:
O Cause and effect?
O Comparison?
O Continuity and
change over time?
O Periodization?
Example
O To what extent did
the French and
Indian War (17541763) alter the
political, economic
and ideological
relations between
Britain and the
American colonies?
O What is the Thinking
skill?
Reading the Question
Break the question down into its component parts.
Create a framework for your response.
Example
Continuity
Change
Political
Political
Economic
Economic
Ideological
Ideological
Collecting Data
• Brainstorm “outside” historical evidence related to each component
of the question.
• Preference for “checkable” evidence (e.g., “salutary neglect,” the
“Navigation Acts,” etc.)
• Make brief notes of this evidence in your framework
Writing a thesis statement
•
•
•
Review the evidence within your conceptual framework.
Write a thesis statement that addresses all of the components of the
question.
It must do more than restate the question. (Acknowledge complexity)
Set the scene: locate the reader in time and
space. (Contextualization)
X. However, A, B, C. Therefore, Y.
X = Counterargument
A, B, C = Strongest points in your favor
Y = Your stand on the prompt
Writing an Intro Paragraph
Example…
O "During my senior year at Spring Grove High
School, I was crazy busy with AP classes and
sports. Although I played football and
lacrosse as well as taking AP English and AP
Chemistry, I knew it would increase my
scholarship chances, help me be a stronger
writer, and I was able to sit next to a girl I
liked, so I stuck with AP European History."
O Although X, A,B,C, therefore Y
Writing the body
paragraphs
•
Usually, one per component of the question (plus one refuting the
opposition).
•
You “drive” the essay. Make your argument. Then, use outside and
documentary evidence in support (if a DBQ). Connect to thesis.
Your turn
O Make a Thesis statement for the following
example…
O Assess the Validity of the following statement:
The Pittsburgh Steelers are so much better than
the Philadelphia Eagles. (or Vice-Versa)
O Now in your group…
O In what ways did the French and Indian War
(1754-1763) alter the political, economic, and
ideological relations between Britain and its
colonies?
Refuting the Opposition
Be sure to acknowledge the opposition
This can be done within each body paragraph or in a separate body
paragraph at the end.
Explain why the opposition is not persuasive. Use evidence!!!.
Writing the conclusion
Synthesize your argument. Pull it all together.
Connect your thesis to a larger historical question
(e.g., “so what?”)