Industrial Revolution Critical Essay
Standard: Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany,
Japan, and the United States.
Goal: Write a critical essay that argues whether the effects of the Industrial Revolution have been beneficial or
detrimental to society by using specific, detailed examples, and justifying your point.
Outline:
1. 1 Introduction Paragraph-Write an Introduction that defines and describes the Industrial
Revolution between 1750-1850. The last sentence, called a thesis, should state whether the
Industrial Revolution had a more positive or negative effect on society and why..
2. 2 Positive or Negative Effects Body Paragraphs. You must choose two reasons that support your
thesis and then explain those reasons in each paragraph. Use all of your notes and class materials to
help you develop your ideas. These must be specific, and detailed using key concepts or events
correctly. Both paragraphs must argue your thesis. DO NOT DO ONE POSITIVE EFFECT AND
ONE NEGATIVE EFFECT. THIS WOULDN”T MAKE SENSE.
3. 1 Conclusion Paragraph. In the conclusion, restate your thesis and if the Industrial Revolution has
been more negative or positive. Then provide a prediction for the future and how the Industrial
Revolution will continue to negatively impact society or positively impact society.
4. Image. Search for an appropriate image to helps justify your thesis. Use www.google.com. Copy
and paste the image into the article, then resize to fit your layout. Must cite the source from which
you downloaded the picture. Put the webpage directly under the picture. THIS WILL NOT BE
GOOGLE.COM.
5. DO NOT USE PERSONAL PRONOUNS SUCH AS I, WE, OUR, US, ME, or, MY.
6. Must not exceed 2 pages.
Sample Grading Rubric
10
20
30
40
Article did not meet the
requirements of the
assignment.
Article met minimal
requirements of the
assignment.
Article met some of the
requirements of the
assignment
Essay met all the
requirements of the
assignment
Articles used no
examples to support
thesis
Article used vague
examples to support thesis
Articles used 2 examples
to support thesis
Article used 2 specific
examples from class to
support thesis
Article provided no
commentary to support
the thesis
Article provided little
commentary that supported
thesis
Article provided
commentary that
supported thesis
Article provided a
thorough analysis or
commentary that
supported thesis
Article was not
organized, there was no
Intro, Body,
Conclusion, or image.
Article was somewhat
organized and portions
were hard to recognize.
Image provided little to
article
Article was organized but
some portions were hard
to recognize. Used an
image
Article was highly
organized with an Intro,
2 body paragraphs, a
conclusion, and an image
Outline Worksheet
Paragraph #1: Introduction
a. General Description of the Industrial Revolution ________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
b. Thesis Statement. Does the Industrial Revolution Positively or Negatively impact society? Why?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph #2: First Body Paragraph, First Reason that Proves Your Thesis.
a. Example_________________________________________________________________________
b. Explain your example (Use detailed information from class notes and book
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
c. How does this justify your thesis?______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph #3: Second Body Paragraph, Second Reason that Proves Your Thesis.
a. Example_________________________________________________________________________
b. Explain your example (Use detailed information from class notes and book
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
c. How does this justify your thesis?______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph #4: Conclusion
a. Restate your Thesis in other words_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
b. Prediction for the future. How will the industrial Revolution continue to negative or positively impact
society?_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________