Instructions for Written Response #1

Did John Smith lie about the Pocahontas incident?

1. Read True Relation. This document is a primary source written by John Smith.
MARK THE TEXT while you are reading it. Marking the text means to
underline or high-light the main ideas (whole sentences), and circle the terms
(words) that you are unfamiliar with. Also, make notes in the margins
regarding what you have high lighted and any questions or thoughts you may
have.
2. Read General History. This is also a primary document by Smith, written
sixteen years after True Relation. Mark the text while you are reading.
3. Compare how you marked the text with a partner and explain why you high
lighted what you did.
4. With the same partner, explain in you notebooks, in your own words, what is
being said in True Relation.
5. With your partner, explain in your notebooks, in your own words, what is
being said in General History.
6. With same partner, answer the question, Why would Smith add to his story
in General History? in your notebooks.
7. With partner, in your notebook, answer the question: Why might he
exaggerate and invent new information?
8. With partner, in your notebook, answer the question: Why would Smith lie
about the story?
9. Read the passage from historian Paul Lewis and mark the text while you read.
10.Compare with your partner why you marked the text the way you did. With a
partner, explain in your notebook what Lewis is saying.
11.Read the passage from historian J. A. Leo Lemay and mark the text while you
read.
12.Compare with your partner why you marked the text the way you did. With a
partner, explain in your notebook what Lemay is saying.
13.Read the passage from historian Noah Oppenheim and mark the text while
you read.
14.Compare with your partner why you marked the text the way you did. With a
partner, explain in your notebook what Oppenheim is saying.
Homework: Write a paper 1-1 pages long crafting an argument as to whether or
not you think John Smith was lying about the Pocahontas incident.

Paper should include an introductory paragraph giving a brief background of

the incident and a clearly stated thesis. In this case, your thesis should state
your opinion as to whether or not Smith was lying.
Paper should include at least 2 body paragraphs in which you defend and
support your argument. These are the reasons why you think what you think.

Paper should include at least three (3) quotes from the sources provided in
class. Quotes need to be cited (MLA format or footnotes are fine). MLA
essentially means putting the authors name in parentheses at the end of the
quote (in this case, you dont need to put Smiths name in parentheses, only
the historians Lewis, Lemay, and Oppenheim). Quotes should have a purpose
they should support whatever claim you are making.
Paper should have a conclusion that restates your thesis and summarizes the
main points of your paper. This is where you may state any final thoughts or
hanging questions.