Documenting United States History

24 ChApTEr 1 | firSt ContaCtS | period one 1491–1607 putting it all together^25

steP 4 Organize your response through an outline

Organizing your ideas and evidence is the most important step when creating a

coherent and logical historical argument. First, write your working thesis. Sec­

ond, outline your body paragraphs based on the following outline. Your chart of

outside information, documents, and categories above will help you to create this

outline.

Economics

1. Compose a claim that answers the prompt in terms of economics.


2. Compose one or two evidence statements that prove your claim about eco­
   nomics. These evidence statements should use the historical information
   and documents that you gathered in your brainstorming.

Religion

1. Compose a claim that answers the prompt in terms of religion.


2. Compose one or two evidence statements that prove your claim about reli­
   gion. These evidence statements should use the historical information and
   documents that you gathered in your brainstorming.

Politics

1. Compose a claim that answers the prompt in terms of politics.


2. Compose one or two evidence statements that prove your claim about
   politics. These evidence statements should use the historical information
   and documents that you gathered in your brainstorming.

02_STA_2012_ch1_001-026.indd 25 26/03/15 10:35 AM