1. Writing Source Analysis Papers Have a Plan!

2. Paragraph One - Introduction: What is the main issue being discussed (main idea?) First, look over the instructions to see what you should be looking for in the sources. What do you think you are being asked to analyze? Some people feel this is positive (agree) because__ Some people feel that is negative (disagree) because___________________ Fill these in with the various viewpoints people may have on this issue.

3. Paragraph Two - Source One Analyze the source….what do you see, or what is the author basically saying and what is his ideological perspective? When attempting to decipher the author’s message, be sure you are relating it to the main issue since the source was used for that reason Prove the perspective by referring to what you see, or the quotation (how do you know the source has the perspective?) Give examples from the quote to prove that what you have analyzed is what the author is trying to convey Relate the source to current or historical example. Use specific Social Studies terminology. This is very important! Think of a current event, or a historical events from your studies to support your analysis. Follow these steps for each of the three sources, in separate paragraphs.

4. Paragraph Five – Relationships Outline the similarities and differences between the sources (be specific) For example, do Source 1 and Source 2 both have a negative view of the issue? What about Source 3? How do you know? Which source(s) do you support the most and explain why. Be specific in your response. For example, you may support Sources 2&3 the most because they both are closes to your own view of the issue. Paragraph six – Conclusion Wrap up what has been said by the sources, and re-state your own position on the issue. This is self-explanatory, but be sure to cover generally what the sources are saying, and what your position is. NOW, use this template to construct your paper….it should be easy….just a matter of putting your answers into proper sentence and essay format!