John Brown: Hero or Villain
Step 1: DECIDE WHAT YOU THINK
Do you think John Brown was a hero or a villain?
_____hero _____villain
Step 2: FIND YOUR SUPPORT
Which of the items in the primary source documents support your opinion? List three to five supporting items here:
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Supporting Evidence |
Primary Source Used |
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Must have at least three |
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Step 3: ACKNOWLEDGE THE OTHER SIDE
Summarize the reason some people might disagree with you. Use your primary source documents to explain.
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Counter Argument |
Primary Source Used |
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Step 4: CRAFT YOUR THESIS
The thesis is where you tell the readers what the essay is going to be about. The thesis should be a clear, strong statement of the opinion you expressed in Step 1. The rest of your essay should support your thesis.
Your thesis:
Step 5: WRITE YOUR HOOK
The very beginning of your essay is called the hook, because it “hooks” your readers’ attention. Choose one of the ideas below, or use your own ideas, and write a hook on the lines provided (1-3 sentences).
Rhetorical Question: Ask readers to consider how, that if they lived in the 1800’s, they would feel if their family housed and used slaves?
Surprising Fact: Find a fact that will raise your readers’ eyebrows.
Your hook:
Step 6: SUMMARIZE THE ISSUE
Let readers know a little bit about the issue you will be writing about. This is not your point of view about the issue; it’s a very brief summary of the issue.