argument-based essay in response to your choice of one of the following prompts:
Prompt A – General US History: “Never in the history of the world was society in so terrific flux [definition:
continuous change] as it is right now,” wrote Californian Jack London in The Iron Heel, a 1908 dystopian novel.
Looking back from today’s perspective, what were the three most impactful changes between 1865 to 1900?
Hints on how to approach this essay: Look at the video guide on the essay first. For the purpose of this argument based essay – regardless of which prompt you choose – pick your top three points. That will be your argument, so
state this clearly and strongly at the beginning of your essay. Then, support your argument with examples from
diverse groups of people in the period from 1865 to 1900. You can’t cover everyone, but do cover a solid range of
people. Use your own words for this (relatively) short essay. Use the class sources – THE AMERICAN YAWP (chapter 15-19 only) – to find your examples. You can use other sources if you wish, but it is 100% not required.
Grading criteria for Essay (7 points total):
Argument: 3 points
Does your essay have a clear and specific argument that answers the question?
Is your argument compelling? (Do you make a persuasive case?)
Do you anticipate differing points of view and engage with them?
Evidence: 3 points
Do you use evidence to defend your argument?
Is the evidence thorough?
Do you use a range of evidence — like historians/experts (represented in American Yawp and videos) as well
as primary sources (words/drawings/photos produced during the late 1800s)?
Does your evidence cover a range of peoples (race/sex/gender/class)? And does your evidence address a
range of places (South/West/North, urban/rural?
Clarity: 1 point:
Does your paper flow clearly?
Is your writing clear and free of distracting technical errors (such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation)?
Is this paper written mostly in your own words (rather than a series of block quotes)?
If the essay uses informal language, is it blended intentionally with an academic purpose?
Unless you use a direct quote, you don’t have to cite your sources. If you use an outside source, then you
should cite it in either MLA or Chicago Style
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