United States History Bluebook Preparation Bluebook Exam on

United States History Bluebook Preparation Bluebook Exam on November 29, 2017 Mt. Lebanon High School

Today’s Goals ★ View and understand sample practice thesis statements ★ Review your practice thesis statements ★ Understand what you “need” for the Bluebook essay ★ Understand how to proceed in your preparations

Knowing the prompt ★ Prompts will include “why” or “why not” (if only implicitly) ★ 3 options on day of exam ★ Here’s a non-history example: Has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our critical thinking abilities? Why or why not?

Sample Thesis Statements Advanced: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling.

Proficient: While electronic devices can be blamed for a decrease in thought, the accessibility of information the devices creates outweighs the distractions.

Below Basic: The immediacy of electronic devices has ruined our critical thinking abilities greatly.

Concession clause ★ AKA: Concession or the “yes, but” ★ Speaks to “why or why not? ” ★ Examples ○ Advanced: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. ○ Proficient: While electronic devices can be blamed for a decrease in thought, the accessibility of information the devices creates outweighs the distractions.

Do you have what you need?

Let’s see. . . ★ Position on prompt ★ Includes insight rather than being factual ★ Concession marieclaire. com Prior to today, you were assigned to write a thesis for the sample prompt. Check it now to see if you have the above elements. Prompt: Has the immediacy of electronic devices ruined our

Sample breakdown Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Position Concession Aim for insight

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Introduction ★ Sets the scene (either by providing info on applicable history regarding the topic or introducing the big idea of your concept); 3 -4 sentences ★ Transitions between the above bullet and thesis ★ Ends with an effective thesis ★ Sets up your essay properly princetontutoring. com

No dumping!

Body Paragraphs There will be 2 -3 of them that do all of the following: ★ Have a topic sentence ★ Include carefully selected details that advance the argument using the most important historical evidence ★ Touch on 1 major topic each with 2 -3 examples as support ★ Consider the opposing side of your position, examining and developing the “why” part of the prompt ★ Make use of thoughtful, effective analysis ★ Maintain accuracy of all historical events and references ★ Have topic sentences to drive the argument within your position nanga. myfreeip. me

Conceptual Layout for Sample Thesis: Although the availability of electronic devices has shortened our attention spans, it can more accurately be credited for an increase in task management and grappling. Paragraph 1: Productivity for businesses (pre 2007); concession-technology makes me lazy Paragraph 2: Task management for groups non business (2007); concessionmakes me isolated from others Paragraph 3: Problem-solving through grappling (circa 2011); concessiontechnology makes me selfishly gratified

Conclusion ★ Restates thesis first ★ Reviews the basis of your position next, summarizing the rationale part of your thesis ★ Establishes a broader historical ★ Consider the connection to “what’s next”

Don’t leave your money on the table!

Mc. Closkey’s Strategy: 1950 s as “best of times” My answer: the best My concession: not-so-good Keyword: Stability Keyword: Conformity Historical details to consider: Corporate affluence; Cold War What else? Gender spheres, Minorities What else?

~Revise ~Create practice outlines ~Create practice thesis statements ~Consult your history teacher for content ~Consult an English teacher for additional writing tips