Answering Open-Ended Questions for Social

Studies Class

1. Do not write in the 1st person / use any “I” phrases

O Ex: I think, I feel, I believe, in my opinion, etc.

2. Do not speak directly to the readerO Do not ask questions / Say “you”

3. Use the proper tenseO History = past tense. (was, not is) (were, not are)O Present day = present tense

4. Spelling and grammar count!5. Do not refer to historical figures by only their

first names6. Begin with a topic sentence that states your

point7. Support your topic sentence with FACTS8. Stay on topic

OWho should be the number 1 pick in a fantasy football draft?

OWhich team will win the NBA title this season?

OWhich recording artist or group should have won the MTV VMA for best artist?

OWhat movie was the best movie released this past summer?

Essays

DBTA recently instituted a mandatory homework policy

that states that every student needs to receive at least 20 minutes of reading and writing homework each night. Is this a good idea?

Why or why not?

Introductory Paragraph

O Begin by introducing the topic by discussing background information and lead into the body of the topic. (Move from general to specific)

O Introduction should end with a clear, precise thesis statement that rewords the question, gives your argument, and briefly outlines your pointsO Example?

Body ParagraphsO Each body paragraph should begin with a

clear, concise topic sentence that states your point of emphasis for that paragraph.

O Support your claims with factual evidence

Concluding ParagraphO Conclusion should be a brief summary of the

main points of the essay by elaborating briefly on your thesis statement (Move from specific to general)

O Do not introduce new ideasO Do not discuss contradictions to your pointsO Do not end with “The End”, thanking the

reader, or another type of dramatic signature. Focus on knowledge, not personality.

DOL

Given open-ended responses students will

identify the topic sentence and list the supporting

details