ESSAY QUESTION–EXAM #1
When analyzing the causes of the American Revolution, historians have taken several approaches. The one that has some attraction, and the one I would like you to use, examines the causes chronologically and in three parts. First, what were the fundamental or long term factors that contributed to the colonists wanting to be free of England? By that I want you to discuss the factors, events, and ideas from about 1500 to 1760 that can be reasonably considered as setting the stage for the colonists declaring their independence. Second, what were the factors in the 10 to 12 years immediately before the war that heightened the tensions between Great Britain and the colonies. Finally, what were the triggers, or final straws in the two to three years immediately before the Declaration of Independence that caused the simmering pot of rebellion to explode into large scale rebellion?
1. In approaching this question you should limit yourself to the material covered in class or in the text.
2. In grading your response, I will be impressed with demonstrations of a thoughtful judgment, such as
a. Your use of facts that are accurate. Your essay should include the highlighted items in the identification list.
b. What you consider relevant factors
c. Your priority of factors.
d. The organization of your paper
3. The paper should be
a. Typed in Times New Roman, 12 point
b. Double spaced
c. At least 2 and no more than 5 pages
4. Spelling and grammar are important and will count in your grade. Write in complete sentences and check for misspellings.
5. You may discuss the question with others, including your fellow students. What you write, however, must be your own product.
6. The paper is due one week after the conference. Late papers will be lowered 2 points for each calendar day late.
7. The paper will be graded as follows
a. 5 points for each relevant fact used up to a maximum of 60 points(2 points for identifying the fact, 3 points for explaining it)
b. 20 points for the logic and organization of your argument.
c. 10 points for style and quality of your writing
d. 10 points for following directions
8. You will lose points for the following
a. Misspellings -1/2 point for each misspelled word
b. Obviously bad grammar and incomplete sentences- 1 point per occurrence
9. You must use Turnitin.com in conjunction with this essay.
Essay #2
The American motto “E pluribus unum” means “Out of (or from) many, one.” It is a nice sentiment, but is it true? Present an argument for or against the claim that in the period after the Revolution and until about 1840, Americans were becoming more united. Your answer should include whatever facts you think are relevant to support your position. Your essay will be graded on
1. The use of relevant and accurate facts to support your argument.
2. The amount of material you use that has been presented since the last examination that logically supports your argument.
3. How well you have organized those facts to support your argument.
Your paper must be at least two pages and no more than five pages long.
It must be typed using either 12 point Times New Roman font.
The paper is due one week after the second conference. It is worth 100 points. If you anticipate problems with submitting it on time, let me know immediately.
You may talk with others about how to answer this problem, but what you write must be your effort.
The purpose of this essay is to see if you can review a large body of facts, decide on a position, and focus those facts into a coherent argument that will support your position
Some general guidance
1. You do not necessarily need to relate the facts of an historical event. You should, however, use the event to support your conclusion. For example, you do not need to recount the details of the war of 1812. Rather, you may want to use that war to show that the United was becoming more united because one of the results was a greater national pride. The “Star Spangled Banner” was also evidence of a greater pride in America. So, rather than singing the song or relating how Francis S. Key was inspired to write it, you may want to use it as evidence to support your argument that America was becoming more united because Americans in general liked the song.
2. Your essay should have the strongest arguments first, and the weaker ones following them.
3. Organization and other evidence that you have thought about the question are important.
4. Begin working on this essay immediately, and work on it every day. Last minute essays read like essays written the last minute.
5. Make assertions only if you are sure they are correct. Be careful about making generalizations. When in doubt check your notes and/or the text.
6. While the use of facts is vitally important, why those facts support your argument is just as important. So, not only put them in your essay, explain why they support your argument.
7. If you use sources other than your lecture notes, indicate them by way of footnote. It should be noted, however, that the material in class provides sufficient material to present a persuasive argument.
8. The paper will be graded as follows
a. 5 points for each relevant fact used up to a maximum of 50 points(2 points for identifying the fact, 3 points for explaining it)
b. 30 points for the logic and organization of your argument.
c. 10 points for style and quality of your writing
d. 10 points for following directions
9. You will lose points for the following
e. Misspellings -1/2 point for each misspelled word
f. Obviously bad grammar and incomplete sentences- 1 point per occurrence
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