Thomas Paine's The Crisis
Today's Crisis Essay
You were to read Thomas Paine’s The Crisis I. He begins this work by simply stating that “These are the times that try men’s souls.” By this statement, he recognizes that the problems and situations that the soldiers and the colonists of that day were experiencing were very trying to them. We know that when things are “trying,” they really cause us to re-evaluate our lives, and they often truly show what we are “made of.” Trying times often reveal how strong or weak we are. They may bring out the best or worst in us. Trying times will often make or break a person.
Ask yourself: What trying times are we experiencing today? Is this country in a state of chaos where we are “tried”?
Assignment: You are to write five paragraphs using the following topic: These are the times that try men’s souls. This topic will act as the first sentence in your essay!!!!!
Paragraph 1: Introductory paragraph beginning with “These are the times that try men’s souls.” End with a thesis statement that outlines 3 trying issues that we have today or three reasons why today’s times are“trying”. (at least 5 sentences)
Paragraph 2: Discuss your first “trying” issue or reason. (at least 8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 3: Discuss your second “trying” issue or reason. (at least 8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 4: Discuss your third “trying” issue or reason. (at least 8-10 sentences)
Paragraph 5: Provide closing statements and restate your thesis. (at least 5 sentences)