The document provides guidelines for writing a thesis statement in 5 steps and describes 3 levels of thesis statements from simple to advanced. It explains that a level 1 thesis simply restates the prompt question without analysis, a level 2 thesis uses passive voice to observe relationships, and a level 3 thesis is the most advanced level using active voice and specific, sophisticated categories to directly answer the prompt. It emphasizes the importance of carefully reading the prompt, brainstorming categories and evidence, and reevaluating the thesis to elevate it from a level 1 or 2 to a level 2.5 or 3.

1. Guidelines to Thesis Writing 5 Steps to Help you Succeed

2. 3 Levels of Thesis Writing Level 1: Restatement or the “Simple, Stupid Thesis” This type of thesis simply restates the question without any interpretation This level is NEVER acceptable in a APUSH essay

3. Level 1 Example: Prompt: Evaluate how British imperial policy intensified colonial responses in regards to politics and economics during the 18th century. Thesis: During the 18th century, British imperial policy with regards to politics and economic intensified….

4. 3 Levels of Thesis Writing Level 2: Passive Uses passive tenses Helps observe cause and effect relationships

5. Level 2 Example Prompt: Evaluate how British imperial policy intensified colonial responses in regards to politics and economics during the 18th century. Thesis: American resistance and commitment to republican values came out of British Imperial policy through PPE means…

6. 3 Levels of Thesis Writing Level 2.5 Thesis Changes PERSIA categories into more specific examples Still Passive Example: American resistance and commitment to republican values came out of Britain attempting to reassert her authority through greater taxation and the limiting of colonial rights.

7. 3 Levels of Thesis Writing Level 3 Thesis: Advanced Active Voice Sophisticated and Specific Categories Example: “As the French and Indian War ended, the British Empire believed that it needed to reassert its authority through greater taxation and the limiting of colonial rights, leading to increased American resistance and their commitment to republican values.”

8. So how do you write a great thesis?

9. Step 1: Read the Prompt (And the directions) What are the key terms or phrases? Underline, Circle, Connect What is the prompt asking? If you don’t understand what the prompt is asking, you are not going to score well on the essay

10. Step 2: Brainstorm What information is necessary to answer the prompt? What do I know about the subject? What categories seem work best? PERSIA Use a Graphic Organizer Outline, Web, T-Chart, Double-Bubble, or Timeline

11. Step 3: Preliminary thesis This will be a level 1 or 2 thesis based upon your current skill level Provide an answer to the Prompt Provide areas of categorization Provide similarities and differences (for a comparison essay) Provide change and continuity (for Change over Time essay)

12. Step 4: Reevaluate and Recategorize Do the categories accurately reflect your evidence? Can you move from the PERSIA topics and into more descriptive categories? Turn your Thesis into a Level 2.5 or 3

13. Step 5: Write Structure your Thesis Paragraph Remember the SATS Set the Scene Address the Question Take a Position Signpost Continue writing your essay.

14. How did the economic, geographic, and social factors encourage the growth of slavery as an important part of the economy of the southern colonies between 1607 and 1775?