Part 5: Essay.

Using what you have learned in the activity and what you have read in the textbook, answer the following question: What ideas gave birth to the world’s first modern democratic nation?

Look at Section 3.2 (pages 42-46) in your textbook, and pages 2-3 of the activity to help you. Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph, consisting of 2-3 background sentences and ending in a thesis statement, which serves as a roadmap to the body of your essay.

1. The first 2-3 sentences should present the background by either 1) Defining the topic, 2) Giving and explaining a Quotation, or 3) Using a Hypothetical scenario (See the back of this sheet). You may want to brainstorm some ideas in the space below.

2. The last sentence in your introductory paragraph will be your thesis (See the back of this sheet). Make sure you have a debatable fact, and at least three supporting reasons that you intend to present in the body of your paper. You may want to use the organizer below to write out your ideas.

3. After the introduction, write at least six complete sentences on the topic—at least two sentences on each of the ideas you chose above and how they shaped the creation of the United States.

Idea/principle / Describe the idea/principle / How is this seen in the U.S. today?
(Sentence 1) / (Sentence 2)
(Sentence 3) / (Sentence 4)
(Sentence 5) / (Sentence 6)

Introduction and Thesis Statement Combination

Students must be able to introduce a topic and state their purpose of opinion for essays and paragraphs.

When this part of the Introduction and Thesis Statement Combination has concluded, you will have three ways in which you are able to introduce a topic and lead into a thesis statement.

Introduction:2-3 sentences that introduce the topic of the writing that will lead into the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement:A complex sentence of debatable fact and opinion (superlative needed) that gives three reasons and is the focus of the essay or writing. (Underline your thesis statement.) (The three reasons each turn into a separate paragraph.)

Definition Introduction and Thesis Statement

Ben Franklin was a man who lived over 200 years ago. He was one of the most influential people in colonial times. He is still remembered for many significant contributions to American society. Ben Franklin is one of the greatest Americans of all time because of his writings, his sayings, and his inventions.

Quotation Introduction and Thesis Statement

“A penny saved is a penny earned” is a quote Ben Franklin made over 200 years ago. This saying is as true today as it was two centuries ago. He is known not only for his sayings, but is known for many other things, as well. Ben Franklin is the greatest Americans of all time because of his sayings, his politics, and his inventions.

Hypothetical Introduction and Thesis Statement

Try to imagine a world without Ben Franklin having been alive. Libraries, bi-focals, and lightning rods, among many other things, might not be present in our society, and his insightful sayings would not still be quoted to inspire people or to help make specific points. Ben Franklin was one of the greatest minds in the history of the world because of his inventions, his sayings, and his writings.