Describe Benedict Arnold's childhood. Include information about his early life that might help explain his later actions.

Benedict Arnold was known as a daredevil and a showoff. He did things to make himself the center of attention. This need for attention and approval followed him into adult life. This is probably why he became so upset whenever he faced public criticisms. He felt that Americans and officials should be thanking him constantly for his military service. When that did not happen, he felt betrayed. The reader could also discuss Arnold's family, including that his father lost all the family's money and became a drunk. Arnold hated that this made his family the source of public ridicule.

Describe either Benedict Arnold's campaign to Ticonderoga or his march to Quebec.

Allowing the reader to choose which of these to write about encourages the student to look more deeply into...