America’s Founding Documents Picture: .

America’s Founding Documents

http://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/ Picture: http://s1.hubimg.com/u/826220_f520.jpg

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Claim-Proof

Step One:Claim Statement

• I believe that the _____________ is America’s most important founding document.

Step Two:Evidence Supporting

• As a group create three statements of support for your claim statement.

Step Three:Evidence Refuting

• Begin by picking two other documents that are also important to US History.

• Next write one fact about each that proves it is important as a founding document.

Step Four:Conclusion

• Begin with the claim (topic) sentence.• Then defend the document you choose

with your “supporting evidence”• Next, comment on some of the other

opinions or “refuting evidence” that exists.

• Lastly, conclude your paragraph.

• Hint: Be sure to use transitions!!!!

Conclusion ExampleI believe the Edison’s light bulb patent is one of

America’s important founding documents. This patent represents a great invention that is still used today and makes the everyday life of people easier. Also, this document represents America’s economic freedom to better oneself through hard work and innovative thinking. Furthermore, the patent symbolizes the creative spirit of Americans to find new ways to solve problems and push for new understanding and information. However, some might claim the Declaration of Independence or the US Constitution as the most important US founding documents as they represent our claim to freedom from England and establish the laws and traditions of our government. Yet, Edison’s patent represents the living out of the American ideals presented in these other founding documents giving it value for an individual citizen. Overall, America’s history has been grounded on several important documents and Edison’s light bulb patent serves as one of the most valuable.

Step Four:Conclusion

• Begin with the claim (topic) sentence.• Then defend the document you choose

with your “supporting evidence”• Next, comment on some of the other

opinions or “refuting evidence” that exists.

• Lastly, conclude your paragraph.

• Hint: Be sure to use transitions!!!!

Argumentative Short Essay Scoring Guide0 Points 1 Point 2 Points

ThesisStatement

No thesis/claim statement.

Thesis/claim statement is incomplete or inaccurate.

Thesis/Claim is clear and concise answering the prompt.

Ideas/Organization

The student did not stay focused on the

topic and lacks logical order.

Attempts controlling idea and some evidence of an

introduction, evidence, and conclusion. Few transitions are

used.

Strong controlling idea. Writing flows with engaging introduction, well-developed

evidence, strong closure. Uses strong transitions.

Conventions

Contains repeated distracting errors in

grammar/usage, punctuation,

capitalization, and/or spelling.

Contains some errors ingrammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling, that may be distracting to the

reader.

Contains few errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling

0 Points 1-2 Point 3-4 Points

SupportingEvidence

Claim is either unsupported or

evidence is irrelevant.

Claim is supported with evidence and refuting evidence

is stated, but analysis is minimal or evidence is lacking

depth.

Claim is supported with evidence and refuting evidence

is clearly addressed. Details and examples are correctly analyzed and thoughtfully

stated.

Total:____ / 10 Points