Name ______Date Due ______
USH Unit 3 Writing Prompts
Background Information
I am expecting significantly more out of you in this essay. Go back and look at your first essay and the comments I wrote for you before you begin writing. Also, think carefully about what we have discussed in class. Take all of that in to consideration as you work.
At this point you are an experienced historical analyst. I expect nothing but greatness. Remember that the focus of your essay should be analysis. It is important that you provide me with specific information to support your argument, but do not simply provide factual information. You must show me that you understand and are analyzing the content. It may be necessary to discuss, or at least mention, material we studied in other units.
Be sure you use MLA format and include a works cited. Your essay should be between two and three pages in length and must be both turned in as a paper copy and uploaded to turnitin.com by the due date.
Specifics
Each essay will be worth 60 points and will be graded as follows:
- 10 points for a well developed thesis that fully addresses the prompt
- 10 points for writing style (MLA format, grammar, and proof reading)
- 10 points for your works cited and in text citations (your essay must include at least three sources, one of which must be primary; you must have a works cited that you will reference using in-text parenthetical citations as discussed on the MLA Guide)
- 30 points for content (accurate, thorough, and effective use of evidence to prove thesis)
Writing Prompts
1. Trace the roots of the Civil War and explain why sectionalism ultimately resulted in violence in the U.S. As you do so, assess whether or not the Civil War was an inevitable conflict or could have been prevented.
2. Put yourself in the shoes of a southerner. Explain the reasons southern states seceded and created the Confederacy, and then assess whether or not secession and the creation of the Confederacy was justifiable using the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as your primary evidence.
3. Assess the presentation of the Antebellum South in The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. How accurate is its presentation of the time period? You must assess the historical validity of both pieces through the analysis of quotes, passages, and themes from both books. Consider the following: slave life and/or social structure and society.
4. Discuss the allegory for Reconstruction as presented in the final 12 chapters of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Is it effective? Is it accurate? How so?