DEFINING MOMENTS ESSAY
CONSTRUCTING A THESIS STATEMENT IN CANADIAN HISTORY
To construct an effective thesis for a research paper, one good technique is to show a relationship
between two or more relevant concepts. Consider the lists below, and mentally experiment by
connecting some of them.
Element of History
War
Battle
Invention
Technology
Military General
Prime Minister
Person
Event
Relationship Terms
-was a defining moment
-was responsible for
-about
-was instrumental in
-supported
-weakened
-strengthened
-was superior to
-was inferior to
-had a positive effect
-has a negative effect
-caused
-brought
-led to
-fragmented
-caused turmoil
-destroyed
-undermined
-brought
-affected
-saved
Effect on History
-Economic prosperity
-Economic decline
-Military power
-Military collapse
-political independence
-economic stability or
instability
-Political stability or
instability
-Rise of a nation
-Fall of a nation
-Influencing another culture
-Dominating/conquering
-contributed to victory
-contributed to autonomy
-social effects
-political effects
-economic effects
-military effects
Examples


The World Wars were directly responsible to the increase of women’s rights.
Prime Minister Diefenbaker’s decision to scrap the Avro Arrow had a negative effect on Canada.
Step 3: Question and Answer, and Thesis Formation
Name: _____________________
Your Chosen Topic: ______________________________________________
1. What are some controversial or arguable questions about your topic?
For example on the topic of End of WWI: Was the Treaty of Versailles Fair? This question can have two possible answers: yes
and no!
2. What makes the topic a “defining moment” in Canada’s history?
3. Write down the thesis statement and supporting evidence.
Thesis Statement
Argument
(answer to the
controversial question
and defining moment
question)
Evidence that Proves the Argument
& FOOTNOTE
Footnote Instructions
This is a good
essay because it
has a clear thesis,
strong arguments
and excellent
writing style.
3. Please attach your updated list of sources in the typed, FULL BIBLIOGRAPHIC FORMAT.
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