witchcraft scare in Massachusetts in 1692
Topic:
Why was there a witchcraft scare in Massachusetts in 1692? (Identify the changing nature of New England society, from a religious commonwealth of tightly-knit farm villages to a secular commercial society of individuals. Consider the influx of people such as Tituba and the advantages she gained by making accusations.)
1.) You are required to base your essay on one of the sets of questions/topics attached.
2.) Your essay should be based on three (3) academic sources. Assigned classroom readings are permissible sources. You must use one primary source; identify in Works Cited. Remember, a good essay should be based on a central thesis/argument and be persuasive. Thus, you should incorporate your own ideas when and where appropriate. But DO NOT use first person in your writing.
4.) Tips for writing a History paper:
Develop a Thesis: A thesis statement reflects what you have concluded about the topic of your paper, based on analysis and interpretation of source materials.
Construct an Argument: Historical issues are seldom clear-cut, and historians often disagree. Convince your reader that your interpretation is valid.
Support your Thesis: Offer evidence from your sources to validate your argument.
Acknowledge Counter-Evidence: Strengthen your argument by addressing opposing viewpoints.
Organization: Introductory Paragraph (include thesis in first paragraph and underline); Clear and connected paragraphs; Effective Conclusion (most important points in support of thesis)
3.) You are required to provide a “Works Cited” page and you should properly cite any quotes/ideas that you take from the readings/sources using MLA writing format. Your paper will be submitted to Turnitin to check for plagiarism. All papers with a 20% or higher score will be double checked for poor citation and/or a misunderstanding of academic conventions before point reductions are taken or a failing grade assigned. Remember: Use your own words!
4.) Proofread your essay. Points will be deducted for grammatical errors.
5.) Your essay should be a minimum of 850 words, but no more than 1250. This should be easily reached.
6.) Remember: Do not simply regurgitate what you have read. Think about, react to it, and form an opinion. History is always written with an agenda/motive. There are few absolute truths in written human history. You should always question what the agendas are of the authors you will be reading.
7.) All papers should be typewritten and double-spaced (1 inch margins; 12 pt. font). Please include a title page. Also, underline your thesis statement.
8.) Evaluation criteria: Thesis development; evidence; analysis; organization; clarity and grammar
