example

  Americans faced a difficult decision whether to join the independence movement or stay loyal.  People made decisions based on what issues were important to them.  If they were Boston merchants (like John Hancock) or Virginia slave holders (like George Washington) or new people moving out onto the frontier close to Indians they would have different concerns.   Most Bostonians were patriot supporters of independence. People in New York were largely loyalist. 

Describe one reason (other than the tax question) someone would decide to be a patriot or a loyalist.  Be specific.   You could describe why the Proclamation Line of 1763 would impact a decision or Lord Dunmore's Proclamation.  Other specific reasons could be found by reading about the Coercive Acts, Paine's "Common Sense." or Thomas Jefferson "A Summary View of the Rights of British America."   Don't give an opinion. Give information and analysis.    

Wikipedia has a "list of loyalists" and some biographical information that could be used.