History Final Essay

Formal Argumentative Paper Assignment

Check Due Date on Canvas

Requirements for Assignment:

· Your paper topic must be within the scope of our class and the years discussed. That would include information from the reading, lectures or discussions we have had.

· You have the freedom to choose your own topic, historical era, and frame your own argument.

· Must be within the timeline of the course.

· Write a 4-6 page argumentative paper. Minimum of four written pages, not 3.5 pages, and not having the works cited count as your page count.

· If you have any photographs or charts to provide additional context, please provide them after the Works Cited page at the end. It will not count toward your final page count.

· Include a thesis in your introductory paragraph. Convince the reader why your argument and viewpoint is correct, and back it up with sources and evidence. You may follow the traditional 5-paragraph model if you wish.

· Include a Works Cited page with at least four sources, two primary and two secondary.

· Your works cited does NOT need to include your annotated bibliography descriptions. Only the citations will suffice.

Format :

· MLA

· Times New Roman, 12-point font

· Double spaced.

· 1-inch margins

How To Choose A Topic:

· Choose a topic and era that we have covered throughout the course.

· Your main question to answer will depend on your interests, and will vary by the individual. If you are having trouble deciding, please speak with me or email me.

· Examples of paper topics: (My U.S. History Courses)

· Reconstruction was successful or unsuccessful for XYZ reasons…

· The most consequential event(s) in U.S. history was/were….

· During the Chicano Movements of the 20th century, Cesar Chavez was a crucial public leader due to XYZ reasons…

· Examples of paper topics: (My World History Courses)

· The French Revolution was consequential due to XYZ reasons…

· Constitutional monarchies are the best forms of monarchy rule due to XYZ reasons…

· The Bolshevik Revolution was truly radical in history due to XYZ reasons…

Some Recommendations for the Writing Process:

· Please do not procrastinate. Give yourself time to think about your topic, outline your writing, research your sources, and take time formulating your arguments.

· Finalize your sources.

· To the best of your ability, finish the annotated bibliography assignment with some careful thought and care. If you need to alter these after your submission, that is OK. It’s all part of the research and writing process.

· Outline your potential essay.

· Understand what your thesis will be, sources, arguments, etc. Try to outline what each page will discuss.

· Revise…revise…revise!

· You will go through many drafts before you will feel confident with your work. Please do not wait until the night of to turn in “the most magnificent essay I have ever written in under three hours.”

· Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage of paragraph transition words.

· Proofread to make sure everything makes sense.

· Do not look at the essay for a day.

· Come back to proofread again with a fresh set of eyes.

· Often times your brain will reinforce your written words to the point where it sounds great. Then when you reread the material at a later date, you may want to make revisions.

· Feel free to email your classmates a copy for helpful edits. Collaborative peer editing does wonders.