Developing Nations of the Modern World
Text Version

[Visual description – image of paper]
Typically, a social studies multi-paragraph essay includes an opening paragraph that introduces the topic, establishes context (meaning the time and place of the topic), and provides a thesis statement.

[Visual description – the word thesis is highlighted]
The thesis presents the basic argument of the essay, with two or three general concepts or categories that will be the basis for the essay.

No one thesis is perfect or is the only possibility.

[Visual description – image of map of Bolivia and flag symbol] For the essay question: Why is Bolivia considered a developing country, let's examine one sample thesis.

Bolivia's economic challenges, unequal social services, and lack of democracy characterize it as a developing South American country.

Read the thesis again, noticing the three categories that are underlined and bolded:

Economic challenges, unequal social services and lack of democracy.

We will identify evidence of these categories found in the secondary source written about Bolivia.

Examine the information under Evidence in Source listed on this slide.

Compare it to what is listed under Categories, also on this slide.

Which Category best fits with the Evidence? [Visual description – large question mark appears]

Since the evidence is addressing an economic issue, it would be included in the category "economic challenges" of the thesis.

If the essay were to be written, the evidence would be included in the body paragraph that explained the economic challenges.

There are many combinations of different terms that could be used to categorize this group of evidence; "economic challenges" is just one such term.

The evidence cited describes an economic issue.

Other terms could be "financial problems," "unequal wealth" or "labor issues."