Tips, Tricks and Details for the Ancient Civilization Assignment

Writing a Thesis Statement Prompt: How are the values, beliefs, morals, views of justice, and/or attitudes of early civilizations still evident in society today? What does this say about human nature? To answer this prompt your thesis statement should include:  Identification of a value, belief, moral, view of justice or attitude that existed in ancient times and still exists today  A position regarding how the value, belief, moral, view of justice or attitude represents a part of human nature

Thesis Statement Examples From ancient times to modern society, protecting one’s family has always been one of humankind’s most important responsibilities. Laws, belief systems and stories have always been created and passed down in order to protect the institution of family. One of humankind’s most basic instincts is to preserve one’s family. Throughout time laws, stories and beliefs have been developed and shared in order to preserve the institution of family.

Former Student Examples  Though humans may attempt to use government to achieve equality, separation is natural for humans and in law systems.  Many values, beliefs and morals of the ancient world are still evident in modern society; however, many are often overshadowed by modernized technology.  It is part of human nature to believe in some form of life after death or immortality of the soul  Human nature opposes change which is why evidence of ancient civilizations are present today.

Possible Themes to Explore  Role of Law/Justice (What are laws about? Who do they protect?)  Beliefs regarding the afterlife  Social structure in society  Role of family  Importance of relationships  Sharing power between religion and the state  Gender roles  Greed or self-interest  Others?

What is an implicit thesis statement? (implicit= implied rather than expressly stated) The Problem We All Live With (1964) Norman Rockwell

Another Example

A Dialogue  Identify the characters and setting.  Type the dialogue  Include an MLA heading  Give your dialogue a title that indicates the position  You probably want to have one of your characters state your thesis statement, but it may be at the end.  You can single space each person’s dialogue, but leave a space in between.  Make sure each line of dialogue is labeled with the speakers name first.

A Mind Map  A mind map is a visual representation of your ideas AND THE CONNECTIONS/RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THOSE CONNECTIONS!  A mind map uses color, symbols, pictures AND words to share and support ideas.  A Prezi is a mind map.  A lot of free software exists to help you create a mind map, use it if you life.  You may also hand create a mind map.

Mind Map Example

One More Example

A Newspaper  You may use Publisher or another software program to design your newspaper.  Include a few articles to support your thesis.  The title is VERY IMPORTANT for this option. Your thesis may be implied through your title and subtitle.  The other details of the newspaper can really help enhance your argument. Images, a table of contents, an editorial, etc.

An Artistic Piece  Anything goes.  Again, the title is very important.  If you are worried that your thesis, evidence and analysis will be unclear to your audience then you should write a paragraph to accompany your work. Highly suggested if you have a piece without any words!

Questions?  See Ms. Erickson ASAP.  Bring materials to use your time for the next few class periods.  Give your piece a title that RELATES to your position/thesis.  Make sure you include six pieces of evidence and the analysis to support the evidence and relate it to your thesis.  Work Sessions: Thursday, Oct. 2 during 8 th hour. Friday, Oct. 3 during lunch and 8 th hour.