I. Introduction Paragraph: Use one of the five hook styles to grab the reader’s attention. The general topic is war. Then transition into background information about My Brother Sam Is Dead. Finally, transition into the thesis statement. Make sure the thesis answers the prompt.
Hook/Lead (one of five styles):
Background:
C. Thesis:
II. Body Paragraph #1: This is the first way the authors show their viewpoint on war. This should be the least important reason.
Topic Sentence: One way the authors argue for/against war is…
B. Quote and citation:
Commentary:
C. Example/quote and citation:
Commentary:
D. Closing Sentence:
III. Body Paragraph #2: This is the second way the authors show their viewpoint on war.
A. Topic Sentence: Another way the authors show their viewpoint on war is…
B. Quote and citation:
Commentary:
C. Example/quote and citation:
Commentary:
D. Closing Sentence:
IV. Body Paragraph #3: This is the third way the authors show their viewpoint on war. This should be the most important reason.
A. Topic Sentence: A final way the authors prove war is/is not worth it is…
B. Quote and citation:
Commentary:
C. Example/quote and citation:
Commentary:
D: Closing Sentence:
V. Conclusion: Remember that your conclusion needs to reflect upon your introduction and thesis statement, but do not simply repeat it. You also want to end with a thoughtful reflection/statement about war in the “big picture.”
Reflect on (do not simply repeat) your thesis and main points:
Echo back to your hook/lead:
C. End with a strong statement about the topic of war:
help pls
I. Introduction Paragraph: Use one of the five hook styles to grab the reader’s attention. The general topic is war. Then transition into background information about My Brother Sam Is Dead. Finally, transition into the thesis statement. Make sure the thesis answers the prompt.
Hook/Lead (one of five styles): "In the midst of chaos and destruction, war has a way of revealing both the best and worst in humanity."
Background: My Brother Sam Is Dead is a historical novel set during the American Revolutionary War, written by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. It follows the story of a young boy named Tim Meeker, whose family is torn apart by the conflict between loyalty to family and loyalty to the cause.
Thesis: Through their portrayal of the consequences of war on individuals and families, the authors of My Brother Sam Is Dead argue that the personal costs and sacrifices of war outweigh any potential benefits, ultimately questioning the justification of armed conflict.
II. Body Paragraph #1: This is the first way the authors show their viewpoint on war. This should be the least important reason.
Topic Sentence: One way the authors argue against war is by highlighting its impact on families.
B. Quote and citation: "The truth was that father fretted a lot. The war was a pain to him. Why should he lose his son over some abstract business about taxes on tea?" (Collier and Collier 27).
Commentary: This quote demonstrates how war brings uncertainty and worry to families, causing them to question the reasons for fighting and the sacrifices they have to make.
C. Example/quote and citation: "Father won't talk about Sam. He won't take Sam's things out of his room. It's as if he's forgotten about Sam" (Collier and Collier 112).
Commentary: This example shows the emotional toll war takes on families, leaving scars that can never fully heal. It reveals how the absence of a loved one in war can create a sense of emptiness and haunting memories.
D. Closing Sentence: By emphasizing the strain and loss experienced by families, the authors convey the devastating impact that war can have on individuals and their loved ones.
III. Body Paragraph #2: This is the second way the authors show their viewpoint on war.
A. Topic Sentence: Another way the authors show their viewpoint on war is by illustrating the destruction and senselessness it entails.
B. Quote and citation: "Dead cows doubled in the ditches by the sides of the road, and sometimes dead men. It smelled awful" (Collier and Collier 94).
Commentary: This quote portrays the horrific aftermath of war, highlighting the physical devastation and loss of life. It emphasizes the senseless destruction of both innocent lives and resources.
C. Example/quote and citation: "The firing sounded like a lot of claps of thunder. Splinters flew from the walls of the inn. It seemed like the world was going to pieces" (Collier and Collier 199).
Commentary: This example paints a vivid picture of the chaos and violence of war, underscoring its disruptive nature and the fear it instills in those caught in its crossfire.
D. Closing Sentence: Through their portrayal of destruction and chaos, the authors compel readers to question whether the costs incurred by war justify its pursuit.
IV. Body Paragraph #3: This is the third way the authors show their viewpoint on war. This should be the most important reason.
A. Topic Sentence: A final way the authors show their viewpoint on war is by exploring the futility of armed conflict in achieving lasting peace and justice.
B. Quote and citation: "We had fought for liberty but without justice because we had enslaved part of our own population. We proclaimed the principles of democracy but without giving equal rights to women" (Collier and Collier 238).
Commentary: This quote highlights the authors' critique of the contradicting principles and realities of war, illustrating how war does not always lead to the noble ideals it claims to uphold.
C. Example/quote and citation: "I was struck by how similar all governments were. They talked about being governed by consent, but they meant winning consent by force" (Collier and Collier 179).
Commentary: This example exposes the power dynamics and manipulation inherent in war, suggesting that true democracy and justice cannot be achieved through violent means.
D. Closing Sentence: By emphasizing the flaws and contradictions in the pursuit of war, the authors compel readers to question the underlying motivations and justification for armed conflict.
V. Conclusion: Remember that your conclusion needs to reflect upon your introduction and thesis statement, but do not simply repeat it. You also want to end with a thoughtful reflection/statement about war in the “big picture.”
Reflect on (do not simply repeat) your thesis and main points: Throughout My Brother Sam Is Dead, the authors present a compelling argument against war by revealing its profound impact on families, the senseless destruction it brings, and the futility of violence in achieving lasting peace and justice.
Echo back to your hook/lead: The authors' vivid portrayal of war's consequences serves as a stark reminder that amid the chaos and destruction, war exposes both the best and worst aspects of humanity.
C. End with a strong statement about the topic of war: Ultimately, My Brother Sam Is Dead prompts us to contemplate the true cost of war and challenges us to seek alternative paths towards resolving conflicts and fostering a more just and peaceful world.
I. Introduction Paragraph:
Hook/Lead: One way to grab the reader's attention when discussing war as a general topic is to use a shocking statistic. For example, "Did you know that an estimated 108 million people died in wars in the 20th century alone?"
Background: Provide some background information about the novel "My Brother Sam Is Dead." Explain that it is set during the American Revolutionary War, focusing on a family divided by conflicting loyalties.
Thesis: In "My Brother Sam Is Dead," the authors illustrate their viewpoint on war through the portrayal of the devastating consequences it has on individuals and families, ultimately questioning its worthiness.
II. Body Paragraph #1:
Topic Sentence: One way the authors argue against war in the novel is by highlighting the loss of innocence in young characters.
Quote and citation: "I heard my father say, as I stood invisible in the doorway, 'Sam is my son, but I fear his eyes have seen too much for his young age.'" (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: This quote suggests that witnessing the horrors of war has prematurely robbed Sam of his innocence.
Example/quote and citation: "Tim observed the physical and emotional toll war had taken on his brother, making him question the value of war itself." (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: Tim's observation emphasizes the negative impact war has on individuals, making them doubt its significance.
Closing Sentence: By showcasing the loss of innocence and the toll war takes on young characters like Sam, the authors highlight the detrimental effects of war on individuals.
III. Body Paragraph #2:
Topic Sentence: Another way the authors show their viewpoint on war is through the portrayal of family division and the destruction it causes.
Quote and citation: "Uncle Jerry and father had fought side by side, but the revolution had made them hate each other and fight each other." (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: This quote illustrates how war leads to the division of families, pitting them against each other.
Example/quote and citation: "The fight against the British had torn their family apart, leaving them in a constant state of tension and anguish." (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: The example demonstrates the destructive impact war has on familial relationships and the toll it takes on individuals' emotional well-being.
Closing Sentence: Through the portrayal of family division and its consequences, the authors emphasize the destructive nature of war and its ability to tear apart even the closest bonds.
IV. Body Paragraph #3:
Topic Sentence: A final way the authors prove war is not worth it is by highlighting the senselessness of the violence and the lack of true winners.
Quote and citation: "The war might have given to Sam a pair of epaulets to wear on the uniform he stole, but it had taken so much from him, too much." (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: This quote underscores the idea that even when the war grants individuals temporary victories, it ultimately takes away much more.
Example/quote and citation: "The violence and bloodshed in the name of revolution brought nothing but destruction and suffering, leaving no winners, only losers." (Author's Last Name, Page Number)
Commentary: The example highlights how war leads to a cycle of violence, causing immense suffering without any meaningful outcomes.
Closing Sentence: By illustrating the senselessness of war and how it brings only destruction and suffering, the authors present a strong argument against its worthiness.
V. Conclusion:
Reflect on thesis and main points: Throughout the novel "My Brother Sam Is Dead," the authors consistently emphasize the devastating consequences of war, including the loss of innocence, familial division, and the senselessness of the violence.
Echo back to the hook/lead: Just as the shocking statistic mentioned in the introduction revealed the immense toll of war, the novel highlights the personal and societal devastation it brings.
End with a strong statement about the topic of war: Ultimately, "My Brother Sam Is Dead" serves as a poignant reminder of war's destructive nature, urging readers to question its necessity and strive for peace.