Modern America Cooke Name: Reconstruction Essay The American dream has been defined as That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. Thesis Question: Did Reconstruction help African-Americans move closer to achieving the American Dream? Why or why not? In your responses, please consider the political, economic and social changes, both positive and negative, that Reconstruction brought about in the South. Requirements: Ø The paper must be NO LESS than TWO (2) full pages in length, and NO MORE than FOUR (4) pages in length. Ø The paper must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font. Ø You should use both your class notes, readings and your textbook. You SHOULD NOT do any outside research. All sources should be cited by handout or page (in parenthesis.) * Remember, the policy on late work (including papers) is that the final grade drops 3 points for each day it is late. * As always, I am available for extra-help by appointment before or after school or during the day (blocks 4, 5, and 7). You are always welcome to swing by my office to see if I m in if I m not there please leave me a note so I know you were there. * I will NOT be collecting rough drafts for teacher comments. However, I am more than willing to meet with you outside of class time to discuss your ideas or talk through your outline. If we do conference, make sure to come with specific questions as to what you would like me to help you with. Do not come in and say please read this and tell me what s wrong with it. Nuts & Bolts and Advice Writing a paper should not be viewed as a one-step activity. Rather, it should be a process that involves multiple steps that allow you to organize your thoughts in a way that helps you to write a clear, persuasive, and eloquent essay.
Pre-Writing Brainstorm Factors to consider Positive aspects of life after the Civil War Negative aspects of life after the Civil War Economic conditions (jobs, income, etc.) Political conditions (laws, rights, etc.) Social conditions (treatment, daily living conditions, etc.)
Writing Your Thesis Basic Question (the answer leads to your thesis): Did Reconstruction help African- Americans move closer to achieving the American Dream? A good thesis has 3 parts: Possible Criticisms (Although, Despite) Addresses the critic (the opposing side of your argument) Ideas: Despite/ Although Possible Central Arguments Reconstruction help African-Americans move closer to achieving the American Dream Ideas: Possible Controlling Idea (because) A general statement-do NOT list the topics of your 2 support the argument paragraphs here! Ideas: Your thesis: Your body paragraph topics: 1 st Body Paragraph (Address the Critic): 2 nd Body Paragraph (Support the Argument): 3 rd Body Paragraph (Support the Argument):
Introduction Sample Introduction: The Industrial Revolution was a time of great change that started in Great Britain in the 1700s. By the 1850s industrialization had spread to the United States and continental Europe and the western world increased its output of machine-made goods hundreds of times over. Although the people of the time suffered horrible living and working conditions, the Industrial Revolution made people s lives better because of the long term effects. The most important long term effects were longer life spans and the rise of a global economy. 1. Topic Sentence/Contextual Statement: Sets the stage for the essay. Addresses the who, where and when. You need to tell the audience what you re writing about! 2. Thesis Statement: Contains primary argument. Three part thesis: Criticism, Central Argument, Controlling Idea. The Controlling Idea should be a GENERAL statement. 3. Reasons: 2 topics used to prove your thesis. These will be the topics of your 2 Support the Argument body paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs Sample Body Paragraph Ms. Cooke s organization is one of the qualities that make her a good teacher. She gives out a schedule for each unit so that students can always keep track of what the homework is. She knows well in advance when the tests will be, so students can organize their study time effectively. She gives study guides at the end of each unit to help the students study. Even though her knowledge of history is not directly demonstrated through her organization, it is another quality that makes her a good teacher. There are 4 different parts to a Body Paragraph: 1. Purpose Statement: Says what your paragraph will prove. 2. Evidence: Historical support for your argument. Each body paragraph should contain 3 examples to support the specific point being addressed in the paragraph. o Examples should include quotations, facts, statistics, etc. (with citations) o This is where you will usually include quotations from texts and citations from readings and notes that you have. 3. Analysis: Explains how your evidence supports your purpose statement. 5. Transition: Sum up the main idea of the paragraph and introduce the next idea.
Conclusion Sample Conclusion While the Industrial Revolution created hardships for the people of the time, the overall positive effects were greater for the world as a whole. Life spans lengthened as nutrition and health improved, and the global economy strengthened. The negative drawbacks were worth the positive effects. If the Industrial Revolution had not occurred, the world today would be radically different. Who knows how long people would have had to wait for revolutionary advances in medicine and communication. The nations of the world might still be separate, feuding islands rather than united by a global economy. The Industrial Revolution united the world and created the connected societies that exist today. 1. Restate Position (Thesis) and Main Points: Give your basic argument and topics of your 3 body paragraphs without making a mirror image of your introduction. 2. So What?: Why does the discussion matter? What are the larger implications? Take the essay to larger significance. Leave the reader with something to ponder. A good way to do this is to finish the sentence Something I have realized while writing this essay is or This essay matters today because and then DELETE THE PROMPT!