US History/Pre-writing activity
Instructions:
1. Read the prompt carefully and underline or circle the key word or phrases. Is there more than one
task contained within the prompt? If so, specify the tasks asked of you.
2. What terms or concepts within the prompt require a greater definition? Identify and define below.
3. What are the parameters of the prompt? Answer the following questions:
 Is the prompt limited to a particular timeframe (1775 to 1800) or period in history (the Cold
War, the Red Scare, the New Deal)?

Is the prompt limited to a particular geographic region (the Ohio Valley, Midwest, etc.) or a
historical place or event (Plymouth, Yalta Conference, D-Day, etc.)?
4. Are there themes provided? If so, identify below. If not, identify the themes you will use within
your body paragraphs.
5. List any relevant information that comes to mind after reading the prompt.
6. Write a thesis statement that addresses the prompt (list below). Your thesis must:
 Address the prompt fully (including situations where there is more than one task);
 Provide organizational themes;
 Answer the questions of what you plan to argue and how you plan to argue it.
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7. See the boxes below to organize your essay.
Paragraph 1
theme
Information
Paragraph 2
theme
Information
Paragraph 3
theme
Information
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