Trail of Tears – Was it Justified?
You are using the evidence you have found over the last few days to write a paragraph/essay which answers the
question, Did the Americans have a reason to remove the Cherokees from Georgia? You have a choice of
which format to use below. Make your selection based on how much evidence you have collected. Choose
Format 1 if your supporting evidence is strong and proves your thesis unquestionably. Choose Format 2 if your
supporting evidence is not as strong, but is plentiful. Once you have decided on the format, write an outline
(using your chosen format) before writing your paragraph/essay. You will have to turn in your outline as part of
your grade. Once you are happy with your outline, write your paragraph/essay. Spelling, grammar,
capitalization, and punctuation count!
Format 1: One Paragraph, 8-11 sentences
1. Thesis statement – what are you proving to your reader?
2. Reason 1 – Sentence stating your first supporting detail
a.
b.
State the evidence from the text for your first supporting detail.
State any additional evidence from the text for your first supporting detail. (optional)
3. Reason 2 – Sentence stating your second supporting detail
a.
b.
State the evidence from the text for your second supporting detail.
State any additional evidence from the text for your second supporting detail. (optional)
4. Reason 3 – Sentence stating your third supporting detail
a.
b.
State the evidence from the text for your third supporting detail.
State any additional evidence from the text for your third supporting detail. (optional)
5. Closing – remind your reader what you have proved, including any significant details.
Format 2: Multiple Paragraphs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
First Paragraph
1.1. Hook
1.2. Thesis
1.3. Summary of supporting details from documents
1.4. Transition to next paragraph
Second Paragraph
2.1. Introduction of first reason which supports thesis
2.2. Introduction/ explanation of first text evidence
2.3. Introduction / explanation of other textual evidence which supports your first reason
2.4. Transition to next paragraph
Third Paragraph
3.1. Introduction of second reason which supports thesis
3.2. Introduction/ explanation of text evidence which supports your second reason
3.3. Introduction / explanation of other textual evidence which supports your second reason
3.4. Transition to next paragraph
Fourth Paragraph
4.1. Introduction of third reason which supports thesis
4.2. Introduction/ explanation of text evidence which supports your third reason
4.3. Introduction / explanation of other textual evidence which supports your third reason
4.4. Transition to conclusion
Conclusion
5.1. In three to five sentences, restate the evidence from the text which supports your thesis.
5.2. Restate your thesis, in different words, for your reader