Contextualizing Common Sense: Research & Document Analysis Activity
$5.00 Regular Price
$3.00Sale Price
Thomas Paine wasn’t writing in a vacuum. He was answering real doubts from colonists who weren’t sure independence was a good idea. Students read three of his responses, add the historical context a good history essay needs, and pin down his main argument in a thesis statement.
What’s inside
3 excerpts from Common Sense, each paired with the colonist concern Paine is answering
Short research tasks with linked starting points: Britain’s 18th-century wars, the Coercive Acts and Lexington and Concord, and John Locke
For each excerpt, a 4-5 sentence context paragraph and a 1-2 sentence thesis statement
An answer key with sample responses
Details: 45-60 minutes | Grades 8-12 | PDF, 11 pages
Also part of the Unit 3: Revolutionary Era plan.
