2/15/19
U.S. History
Mr. Green
Essay #3 Assignment: President Theodore Roosevelt
 Write a 3-4 paged, double spaced essay. New Times Roman, 12 pt. font.
 Use MLA format for your paper and citations. This means you must have a works cited
page. Please take time to review MLA format at
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
 Develop a clear concise thesis that responds to the topic question. Use the resource
below.
 Support your argument with references from outside sources. You must have at least
three sources. You must have at least 1 primary source and 2 secondary sources. A list
of websites on your works cites page will not suffice.
 Essay is due Thursday 26th at the beginning of class in hard copy. Anything else will be
considered late.
Topic
To what extent did the role of the federal government change under President Theodore
Roosevelt in regard to three of the following: labor, trusts, conservation and world affairs.
Thesis Resource
What Is a Thesis Statement?
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Presents your opinions or thoughts on a subject or an issue. You cannot write an essay
without one.
Must contain a subject + an assertion + development. S.A.D.
2/15/19
U.S. History
Mr. Green
TIP: A thesis statement should never contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. The
thesis represents what you believe. It may be helpful for you to begin your thesis statement rough
draft with in my opinion, I believe, or I think to make sure you are expressing your thoughts or
opinion on a specific subject or issue. When writing the final draft, simply eliminate those phrases.
Writing a Good Thesis Statement
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A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence,
regardless of essay length.
A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea.
A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps,
etc.):
Example
o Good example: Lebron James' abilities to score, pass, and rebound make him the
league's most valuable player.
o Bad example: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the
league's most valuable player?
o Bad Example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him
the league's most valuable player.
Write It Out
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Write several trial statements: writing is a process.
If you're having trouble deciding which side to take on a controversial issue, write your
thesis statement from two different points of view. Then decide which one better
represents your opinion. If you still can't decide, list facts on both sides of the issue and
decide which facts make a more persuasive argument.
Evaluating the Work
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Have you answered the question or merely restated it? The following examples are based
on this question: Do Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love
for Juliet?
o Good example: Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline diminish the credibility of his love
for Juliet.
o Bad example: This essay examines whether or not Romeo's prior feelings for Rosaline
diminishes his love for Juliet.
Have you tried to argue both sides of the case? It is important to acknowledge the other side
and address the other position. That does not, however, excuse you from choosing a side.
o Good example: Juliet was not the first woman to capture Romeo's fancy; she was,
however, the one who affected him the most.
o Bad example: Romeo loved Juliet with all his heart, but he loved Rosaline too; It could
be argued they were both his favorite.
Have you prejudged the issue by using loaded language? Immature writers manipulate
readers through emotionally-charged language.
o Bad example: Immature, whiny, male-pig Romeo, a male harlot, ruined precious Juliet
whom he loved no more than Rosaline.