U.S. History 9DUE DATE (In-class writing): ______Name:

Core I EssayPeriod:

9th Grade Social Studies Core Essay Organizer

Overview: In history, themes develop over time. One can argue that the developments of these themes have brought America closer to the ideals that the U.S. was founded upon, while others have brought us further from those ideals. The following essay prompt deals with these ideals:

Prompt:

“Explain how the United States has moved closer to or further from America’s founding ideals throughout the time period of 1890-1945. Choose three specific examples from history to explain and support your position.”

Steps:

  1. Choose three historical examplesthat you can explain from the first half of the school year. (These could be specific events, laws/acts that were passed, actions taken by the U.S. government, etc.)
  2. For the three examples, decide which founding ideals they relate to and explain whether the example brought the U.S. closer to or further from that ideal based on which direction you chose. You can only argue in one direction!!!!!!!

Essay Graphic Organizer

Introduction:

Explain the founding ideals you are focusing on. DO NOT simply list them. Briefly explain their importance in the United States during the time period studied. Provide a condensed overview of major events during the 1st half of the 20th Century that you will be addressing in your essay. ONLY discuss events that relate to your thesis.

Introductory Ideas: ______

Ideals & Explanation of it: ______

Thesis(Which direction are you arguing in?)

In the next segment you must pick ONE direction to argue in for ALL of your historical examples!!!!!

Historical Example:Founding Ideal:

Explanation:Did the U.S. move closer or further? Why?

Historical Example:Founding Ideal:

Explanation:Did the U.S. move closer or further? Why?

Historical Example:Founding Ideal:

Explanation:Did the U.S. move closer or further? Why?

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and examples:

Analyze/Connect: Make connections between the ideal and American government, society or politics of today.

Historical Example used:

Event from today:

Connection:

Historical Example used:

Event from today:

Connection:

Historical Example used:

Event from today:

Connection:

Strong Ending Statement:

Founding Ideals of America

The following are some of the basic ideals that were the basis of America’s creation – ideas/ways of life that the Founding Fathers intended to be present in American society. For each ideal, brainstorm some words/phrases that you associate with it. What does each ideal mean? What events that you’ve learned about relate to each ideal?

Equality Opportunity