Choose one of the primary sources assigned this week and write a 2-3 page argumentative essay summarizing the author’s main points and placing them in historical context. Answer the following: What was happening at the time the document was written? What is the author’s main point or argument? How were the author’s ideas and actions shaped by the social context of their times (how did the historical time period impact the chosen document)? What is your own response (argument) to the ideas presented by the author (e.g., agreement or disagreement, revulsion or admiration, or thinking about things in a new way) as a human living in the modern era?
BE SURE TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS NOTED ABOVE!!!!!
You may choose from the following primary source documents: (ONLY CHOOSE 1)
John Smith, “Description of Virginia,” 1624
John Winthrop, “A Model of Christian Charity,” 1630
Thomas Paine, “Common Sense,” 1776
Thomas Jefferson, “Declaration of Independence,” 1776
Submission Requirements:
The opening paragraph should provide a road map of what you are arguing and how you will prove it. Students will be graded on how well they are able to explain assigned course readings and lessons, argue their point of view, and support their argument using direct evidence from the assigned readings. Be sure to answer ALL questions noted in the prompt.
You MUST include a thesis statement. This is a specific argument that sets up the direction of your submission. When you formulate your thesis statement, it should answer the prompt directly, and create an argument that you will prove in the body paragraphs of your essay. Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. An example thesis statement would be: “While ~the author of this document’s~ main points reflect the time period it was written in, I cannot agree with their ideas, due to reason 1, reason 2, and reason 3.”
Underline your thesis statement. This should be a very strong argument that you will prove to the reader through evidence in the body paragraphs.
Support the claims that you make throughout your essay with direct quotes from the assigned reading. You MUST include AT LEAST ONE DIRECT QUOTE FROM YOUR CHOSEN PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENT.
You must also include AT LEAST ONE DIRECT QUOTE FROM THE TEXTBOOK or WEEK 2 CLASS GUIDE IN YOUR ESSAY.
Be sure to cite your sources. You will need a works cited page at the end of your essay. You must use a consistent format for both your in text citations and Works Cited Page (See the OWL at Purdue or email me for help on this).
Format your paper using Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced.
Your paper should be 2-3 full pages.
Give your paper a strong proofread. This is a college level essay – you will be graded on grammar, spelling, style, word diversity, etc.
YOUR PAPER SHOULD BE ORGANIZED! There should be a clear introduction, argument, body paragraphs, and conclusion
