Honors U.S. History
Your Name:
1920s Character:
1920s ESSAY:
WHY DO YOU BEST REPRESENT THE DECADE OF THE 1920s?
Use these guidelines to review your 1920s essay.
Please turn in this page with your final essay, annotated bibliography, outline, and
research note cards.
ANALYTIC ESSAY: WRESTLING WITH THE CONTRADICTIONS.
support your thesis with specific evidence from your research
demonstrate your understanding of the important trends, events, & ideas of the
1920s; however, be selective so it is not a laundry list, but instead an insightful
exploration (i.e., this is NOT a biographical essay; instead articulate your
understanding of the decade through this person and the relevant trends; be sure
to reflect both the forces of modernism and of traditionalism)
include yourself as well as at least 2 other historical figures from the debate in your
analysis; the ‘other historical figures’ should be brief
typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman; 3-4 pages maximum;
MLA CITATIONS
Writing guidelines:
• thesis fully answers why
• analytical topic sentences that directly support thesis
• topic sentences fully reflect ideas/evidence in each paragraph
• sufficient convincing evidence for topic sentences & thesis, with MLA Cites
• written for ‘unfamiliar reader’
• formal writing style (see Style Guide for Formal Essays)
TYPED ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY IN MLA FORMAT
at least 5 sources, including 2 scholarly sources; primary documents highly recommended
TYPED FORMAL OUTLINE – USE Outline Handouts
Thesis: Argues why your character best represents the 1920s
Evidence to support thesis, with parenthetical citations, as needed
Evidence to demonstrate your knowledge of the decade & how your character fits into “Big
Picture” Context – Address some of the “Burning Issues” Questions
NOTE CARDS
at least 15 note cards/research day
proper NC format: subtopic, one idea/card, in your own words, source