HOW TO MAKE AN OUTLINE AND THESIS STATEMENT (POSITION STATEMENT)Mr. Gilson 7th Grade Social Studies

Southwest Middle School

THESIS STATEMENT (POSITION STATEMENT)

The thesis statement simply states what your position is for the essay.

THESIS STATEMENT

Thesis statements should be definitive, and clear. Read the following thesis statements and select the best one.

I think Adolf Hitler was the worst dictator in the world.

Adolf Hitler was bad, but other people in history were bad too.

Adolf Hitler was a violent, and evil man who murdered millions of innocent people and because of this, he was the worst leader in world history.

TIPS FOR WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT

Do… Use the best facts you have that support your

position Make your position clear Present it as if it is a fact

Do not… Say “I think,” “In my opinion,” or “I believe.” Give reasons why both positions are right. Give every reason you think supports your

position.

MAKING A GOOD OUTLINE

When you are writing an essay, it is good to make sure you break it down into smaller pieces.

It is usually helpful to break it down into a bunch of smaller pieces or writing prompts. TIP: Ask yourself questions, and then answer

them in the form of a paragraph.

CHOOSING WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK

When choosing the questions for each paragraph you will write: Write down any question you need to answer to

back up your position Write down any question a reader might ask you

about your position Write down at least one question for each

source you are required to use. Example: What do the quotes I have from the

Founding Fathers say about sacrificing liberties?

What historical events might be significant for me to discuss liberty and safety?

ESSAY PROMPT: DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS NECESSARY FOR AMERICANS IN THE MODERN WORLD TO SACRIFICE LIBERTIES TO BE MORE SAFE, AND IF SO, IS IT WORTH SACRIFICING LIBERTIES FOR SAFETY?

Outline: Introduction

Re-phrase the prompt. Tell how you will answer this essay Thesis/Position Statement

Body (multiple paragraphs) What is liberty?

American Revolution French Revolution Which revolution ended better for the people? Why?

OUTLINE CONTINUED Body (multiple paragraphs)

What is tyranny? Who is a tyrant?

Kim Jong Un Napoleon Louis XVI King George

What happens when people sacrifice their rights for liberty? Hunger Games North Korea Syria Animal Farm

What quotes that we’ve discussed in class can help support my position This will be a homework assignment that you will keep

in your project folder.

OUTLINE CONTINUED

Body (multiple paragraphs) What liberties do we have today that are being

sacrificed for safety? Airline security 2nd Amendment (Gun Control) NSA Wiretaps

Why are we sacrificing these liberties? Sandy Hook, CT Travon Martin Terrorism Timothy McVey OKC bombing.

OUTLINE CONTINUED Body (multiple paragraphs)

Now that we’ve explained all the facts we can use to back up our position statement, it’s time to actually make our position statement

Position statement Is it possible to have safety without sacrificing liberty?

YES NO

Here is why… 1. 2. 3.

But we have to sacrifice liberties because…..1.2.3.

And it isn’t worth sacrificing liberty for safety because…1.2.3.