Name:___________________

Now that you have selected your Canadian Hero you should begin development of your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is the main question you are trying to answer with your research. Don't worry, it's not too complicated.

Ask yourself:

Why am I researching this individual?

You already know the answer to this. You are gathering information on this individual because you have determined they are a Canadian Hero whose accomplishments merit study.

How do I know they are worthy of study?

You have already defined your terms hero, Canadian, and Canadian Hero. You have decided the criteria for finding both a hero and a Canadian. You have decided what kind of Canadian hero you are looking for. You have researched the Digitial Collections website and selected 11 possible candidates for your Canadian Hero. You have narrowed your selection to the one individual you are most interested in studying.

Okay, but could you give me a hint about the main point of the essay?

As previously discussed you are attempting to examine how your individual affected the Canadian Identity. The main question you are trying to answer might resemble the following:

How did the accomplishments of my Canadian Hero affect the Canadian Identity?

Keep this question in mind when doing your research and writing your thesis paragraph. Your thesis paragraph will help you outline both your main question and the arguments you intend to use to support your opinion.
 
 

1. To begin researching your hero you must ask yourself the 5 W'sof the historical process. Who, What, Where, When, and Why? In the spaces provided below begin answering these questions in proper sentence form. Remember the more information you are able to gather the more proof you will have for your thesis paper.
       Who is your Hero? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
    

   What did they do? in life? for the Canadian Identity?
   What  was their motivation?
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________

   Where did they live or travel? How did this influence them?
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
    

   When did they live?
   _____________________________________________

   Why have they become heroes? have their achievements contribute to the Canadian Identity? were their actions heroic?
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________
   _____________________________________________

2. In order to help you with your research, create a timeline tracking the significant events of your heroes life. This will also become a useful tool when you present to the class so it is up to you how large and colourful you make it. Remember the more creative you are with your material the more interesting and easier it will be to present to the class.

   TIMELINE

   Date of Birth-------------------------Date of Death (if applicable)
    

   Once you've compiled enough research, begin writing your thesis paper. After your thesis, or introductory paragraph, prove at least three (3) supporting points in three well-written, flowing paragraphs. Make sure your position is clear: This individual is a hero because __1___ __2_____3___ and has contributed to the Canadian Identity by __a_____b___ __c__ .

DO NOT SIMPLY REPORT THE FACTS!!!
You are trying to prove how and why your Canadian Hero has contributed to your understanding of the Canadian Identity. You must prove your thesis statement with facts. Be sure to have a concluding paragraph and to include a bibliography of the various websites and books you used to prepare your thesis paper. See the next page for some helpful information.

Developing your Thesis Paper

Paragraph

1. 1st Argument Supported by 3 Facts

   flowing
   sentences

   Paragraph 2 - 2nd Argument Supported by 3 Facts

   flowing
   sentences

   Paragraph 3 - 3rd Argument Supported by 3 Facts
    
    
    
    
     Concluding Paragraph

   Be sure to summarize what you've said
   and
   offer an idea
   for further study of the subject
    
    

   BIBLIOGRAPHY

   Book:

   Author. Title Editor. Edition. Publishing Co. Date. Page(s).

2. Happy, Bob. "I Love School." The Happy Student Chronicles:  Collected Works of Bob Happy.
               Ed. John A. Teacher. 2nd Ed. Vol. 3. Toronto:  Student Publishers Ltd, 1999. 16-22
    

   Website Address:

   www.happystudent.com/learn/100%.ca
    
    
    
    
    
    

   TO BE COMPLETED BY______________________

   Progress Verified (?) Date Submitted __ __ / __ __ / __ __