I am trying to write an essay:
Compare and contrast the develpment of Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvvania. Explain the similarities and differences of the reasons for founding, who settled each colony, and the success of the colony in relationship to the original goal. Also, pay attention to things like religion, demographics (who and where), founding, society, economics, and political development. Which colony, in your opinion was more successful and why?
I need help on how I should organize my paper and how to start it and a thesis.
Should my thesis be the first sentence of the introduction or last?
The first thing you need to do is to Take a sheet of paper and fold it into thirds. Write each state at the top of one of the thirds. THEN make notes on the similarities on one side and differences on the other side. Then decide what your opinion is as to why one of the colonies is more successful. From your notes you will be able to find at least 3 reasons you think that way. Organize your paper according to those reasons.
This site will help you with your introduction and thesis statement.
http://members.tripod.com/lklivingston/essay/index.html
When organizing your essay, it is important to have a clear structure that allows you to effectively compare and contrast the development of Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Here is a suggested approach to organize your paper:
1. Introduction:
- Begin with a hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader.
- Provide a brief overview of the topic and state the purpose of the essay.
- Include your thesis statement, which captures your main argument or conclusion.
2. Body paragraphs:
- Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of comparison, such as founding reasons, settlers, or the success of the colony.
- Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states what aspect will be discussed.
- Use specific examples, evidence, and analysis to support your points.
- Aim for a balanced comparison by discussing similarities and differences between the colonies within each paragraph.
3. Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
- Restate your thesis and briefly reiterate your argument.
- Provide a concise evaluation of which colony you believe was more successful and the reasons behind your choice.
Regarding the placement of your thesis, it is generally recommended to include it as the last sentence of your introduction. This allows the reader to gain a clear understanding of your main argument before delving into the details in the body paragraphs.
Here's an example thesis statement for your prompt:
"The colonies of Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania developed differently in terms of reasons for founding, settlers, and the success of their original goals. While each colony had unique attributes, I argue that Massachusetts was the most successful due to its strong religious foundation, prosperous economy, and significant political influence."
Remember, this is just a suggested structure, and you can modify it to best fit your writing style and preferences.