US 1 AP SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT 2012
Components:
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Read the pages listed below –
50 question multiple choice test on the 2nd day of school
Two essays – see below
Read Alan Taylor’s American Colonies Edited by Eric Foner; published 2001
ISBN: 0-670-87282-2
There will be a 50 question/100 point multiple choice test on the 2nd day of school as well as
the following two essays (see below).
Pages to read:
17-22
117-203
222-244
262-272
339-362
275-292
297-300
Answer the following 2 essay questions.
Essays: (See the directions below the questions)
1. Consider the motives and direction of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies.
Using specific colonies and events, explain why internal conflict seems to be everpresent in the following areas:
a. Relations between colonists and Native Americans
b. Religion
Be sure to discuss what conflicts existed and how/why the different regions responded
as they did.
2. Explain how economic endeavors in New England, Middle, and Southern colonies
respectively influenced the social structure of each region.
DIRECTIONS FOR ESSAYS:
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Each essay must be between 1000-1050 words – no more/no less.
Use proper grammar and spelling. Be sure to write well, using transitions and making
sure the essay flows. You will be graded on structure, style, and organization as well as
content and proving your thesis statement for each essay.
Type the essays.
Have a thesis statement for each essay, followed by paragraphs that support that
thesis and that provide lots of concrete evidence from the reading.
If you use direct quotes/things that need to be cited, put the page number next to the
words/numbers that you have used. No bibliography is needed.
Format:
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Start with a brief introduction that includes the thesis statement as the last
sentence in the paragraph. Underline the thesis statement.
o Remember: A thesis must have a subject (topic) and a commentary (your
position or opinion) and why. Ex. Candy for breakfast has been advised
because it gave a person the energy needed to work to his/her highest
potential.
o
In the essay, you will use this thesis statement to both write facts about
having candy for breakfast and prove that is it a good idea because it
provides the energy to work to one’s highest potential.
o It is important to provide numerous pieces of evidence to support your
idea. Like a lawyer, you want to make your argument convincing with
no loopholes; if someone challenges your idea, you will be able to
wholeheartedly support it with your research.
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Body of the essay: there is no set number of paragraphs. Focus on supporting
your thesis with information from the reading. Be sure to start with a topic
sentence/point of proof and then elaborate on it.
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Conclusion: A brief summary of your thesis statement. Demonstrated how you
have proven it without repeating information already stated in papers.
Actually draw conclusions and analyze your theory that you proposed and then
wrote about.