Learning TargetsChoose a position on a historical issue.

Compose an essay which defends your position.

Defend your position with three reasons which are supported with accurate historical facts.

1. THE TOPIC SENTENCE

Should NOT be one word! i.e. “No.” “Yes.”

Should NOT include “because”

Should NOT begin with “I think” or “I believe”

Should be specific and explain your position

Example: Current legal immigration policies are fair.

2. ReasonsShould include AT LEAST THREE reasons

Should support your topic sentence

Could start with a transition word/phrase

EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year.

Note: It fits with the topic sentence: Current legal immigration policies are fair.

3. Supporting Examples and Explanations

Should use SPECIFIC examples from the unit for each reason

Can use “because” or “so” to link them to the reason

EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year so some immigrations who need protection from persecution have a refuge.

3. Supporting Examples and Explanations

Can also be a separate sentence, but make sure it specifically explains the reason

EXAMPLE: First, the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year. This protects people from persecution and shows that the United States welcomes immigrants who need a safe refuge.

4. ConclusionShould wrap up the essay and let the reader

know that the essay is done.

Should sound different than your topic sentence

EXAMPLE: Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.

The Topic Sentence & the Conclusion

NOTE: See how these connect, but do not repeat one another:

TOPIC SENTENCE:

Current legal immigration policies are fair.

CONCLUSION:Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.

Working on your own conclusions ….

Paragraph Essay ExampleCurrent legal immigration policies are fair. First,

the United States allows a certain number of refugees in each year. This protects people from persecution and shows that the United States welcomes immigrants who need a safe refuge. Secondly, the United States allows immediate family members of citizens and legal residents to immigrate here. This allows families to be together in the same country, instead of unfairly living apart. Finally, the United States holds a Diversity Visa Lottery. The lottery allows people from underrepresented countries an equal chance of being allowed into the United States. Although our government does not allow unlimited immigration, the fair policies it uses ensures that the United States remains a land of immigrants.