Essay Prompt:
The 1920’s was known as the “Roaring 20’s” for multiple reasons. The nation experienced lots
of social and economic growth, however, there were many dark issues that we don’t associate
with the 1920’s, such as strict immigration laws, the Red Scare, intolerance of immigrants (Sacco
and Vanzetti), and the reemergence and growth of the KKK.
In a 5 paragraph essay, first create a nickname for the 1920’s and then explain 3 reasons
why you chose it.
For this assignment, you will need to use resources to validate your argument (provide support).
You must use a minimum of two resources cited IN your essay and complete a works cited page
as well. See the handout in the library for help, Ms. Lippert or Ms. Newcome. It’s easy- don’t
lose points for plagiarism. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA! Use our delicious instead- go to our
wiki, click on resources and click on my delicious. Then click on the 1920s and enjoy. These are
cites approved by me- don’t forget our textbook and also ushistory.org. You cannot use our notes
as a source- find others to back up our facts.
You must have in your 5 paragraph essay:
1. New nickname
2. 3 specific reasons to support your nickname
3. At least one internal citation in each body paragraph (meaning 3 internal citations and at
least 2 different resources)
4. A works cited page at the end of your essay: use the website http://easybib.com- it will
generate the citation for you
5. A completed 4 square graphic organizer
6. Transition words for each body paragraph (first, next, then, lastly)
7. Your complete 5 paragraph essay shared with me through google docs
Consider as you’re coming up with your nickname and support: Were the 1920s overall good or
bad?
- Topics to consider: cars, industries, assembly lines, dating, women, schools,
prohibition, Harlem Renaissance, jazz, radio, fads, dances, violence/gangs,
suffrage, immigration laws, Sacco and Vanzetti, KKK, Red Scare, Palmer Raids,
Scopes Trial, 3 presidents, isolationism, scandals, Kellogg-Briand Pact, Dawes
Act, etc.
To get started with paragraph one, consider something like this…
Tell me about the 1920s in a quick summary. You should have a thesis statement (for example:
The 1920s was a decade of ___________. While the 1920s is most commonly referred to as the
Roaring Twenty’s, I believe a better nickname for that era is __________. This title would best
describe the 20’s because it was an era that included Event 1, Event 2, Event 3.
Due Dates:
Thursday 4/15: Graphic organizer completed at the end of class
Friday 4/16: Works cited completed in google docs and 3 out of the 5 paragraphs written and
shared with me in Google Docs (Click share invite people  schidingc@northeasternsd.org)
Monday 4/20: Graphic organizer turned in, essay and works cited shared and finished through
Google docs by end of the day (NO TIME IN CLASS)