Description
American Dream Argumentative Essay
Now that you have carefully analyzed both the Declaration of Independence and “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, you are ready to complete another argumentative essay. As with the Free Will essay in Unit 3, you will be given three different perspectives. Once again, you will be asked to discuss and analyze multiple perspectives in this essay.
Remember that this essay is designed to help prepare you to write the types of essays required on standardized assessments and college entrance exams. Some of the instructions and the format are very similar to the prompts included writing section of the ACT.1 (For more information about the writing section of the ACT, please visit the official ACT site.
In this essay, you will be asked to consider three different perspectives; however, rather than discussing all three perspectives in your essay, you are only required to discuss your perspective and one other. Your analysis of each of these perspectives and their relationship to each other should be thorough and detailed. The perspectives are outlined below:
Perspective 1:
The Declaration of Independence declares “All men are created equal.” Our nation has come a long way and has made tremendous progress as envisioned by our forefathers. There are still isolated incidents of discrimination, but, overall, the American Dream is available to everyone and anyone regardless of race or background.
Perspective 2:
For years, our country has been obsessed with race and racial inequality. In some ways, the pendulum has swung too far. The American Dream is still available to all; however, political correctness, legislation, and hypersensitivity have all contributed to making the American Dream more difficult to achieve. As a nation, we need to “get out of our own way” and allow people to achieve the American Dream without worrying about the obstacles of the past.
Perspective 3:
Although the nation has advanced greatly, due to historical oppression of several races and groups, there are still those who feel that the American Dream is unattainable. These individuals believe the words “All men are created equal”; however, they believe that racial tensions, income inequality, and other issues have created roadblocks that make achieving the American Dream more difficult for some than for others.
Consider each of these perspectives carefully. Then, decide on your own perspective. Do you agree with any of these perspectives or is your perspective unique? Your perspective may be completely in line with one of the perspectives given, you may partially agree with one of the perspectives, or you may present a perspective that is completely different from those given.
In your essay you must do the following:
Clearly state your own perspective on “the American Dream”
Analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective in the prompt. This means that you must examine this other perspectives and explain how your own perspective differs from or is similar to the other perspective. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the other perspective.
You must also include at least five different quotes from the texts you read in this lesson to support your discussion of these perspectives. You must include quotes from both the Declaration of Independence and “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” As you incorporate these quotes, you may use them either to support your own perspective or to explain why your perspective differs with the other perspective.
Use clear reasoning and specific examples to support your ideas (these may be examples from your own life, the texts, or the world around you).
Refer to the argumentative rubric provided for information about how your essay will be scored in different areas. Note that you will be expected to have a clear introduction that introduces the topic of your essay and your perspective. Include a conclusion that restates your thesis and ties everything in your essay together.
Once again, please remember, you must include a discussion of multiple perspectives (your perspective and at least one other); however, this is not an informative essay. This is an argumentative essay. Do not simply summarize the perspectives; I want to see a careful analysis of your own perspective’s relationship to the other perspectives.
Follow the following formatting guidelines:
Your essay should be double-spaced using a 12-point Times or Times New Roman font. Your margins may be no larger than one inch on each side (see the MLA formatting guidelines).
Include a header on each page with your last name and the page number.
REMEMBER: format your essay according to the MLA formatting guidelines included in this document from the BYU Writing Center: MLA Style Formatting
Use informal diction in your writing. It is appropriate to use the personal pronoun in your essay; however, remember this is an analysis-heavy essay and should be written very carefully.
You must also submit a revised rough draft. This draft may be revised by you or someone else; however, in order to receive credit for this draft, your instructor must be able to SEE that you have completed the revision process. This means that highlighting a few words here and there does not suffice. Revise it carefully.