America Grows Up Essay Outline
Does the development and expansion of America bring us closer to or further from the
following American Ideals: Liberty, Equality, Opportunity, Rights, or Democracy?
The five American ideals have greatly shaped the development of our nation. Choose
one of these founding ideals and use specific evidence from notes, videos, books, and
debates conducted during class to support your position.
Quick Brainstorm
Chosen Ideal: _____________________________________
Specific Example 1 from class to demonstrate this ideal:
Specific Example 2 from class to demonstrate this ideal:
Specific Example 3 from class to demonstrate this ideal:
The Paper
Paragraph 1-Introduction
This opening paragraph should gain your reader’s interest and identify the thesis you plan to develop.
1. Introductory Sentence:
a. Define your chosen ideal:
2. Brief Summary of three chosen examples that you are writing about:
3. Thesis Statement (What will you prove?…hint: What is the ideal and are the three examples that you chose above
bringing America closer to this ideal or further from it?)
Paragraph Two
This supporting paragraph should present the first example supporting your thesis
1. Transition sentence:
2. Description of chosen example:
3. Supporting Details:
4. Concluding Sentence that proves thesis using this example:
Paragraph Three
This supporting paragraph should present the second example supporting your thesis
1. Transition sentence:
2. Description of chosen example:
3. Supporting Details:
4. Concluding Sentence that proves thesis using this example:
Paragraph Four
This supporting paragraph should present the thirdexample supporting your thesis
1. Transition sentence:
2. Description of chosen example:
3. Supporting Details:
4. Concluding Sentence that proves thesis using this example:
Paragraph Five
The conclusion paragraph should restate the thesis, tie the main points in the essay together, and leave the reader with something to
think about.
1. Concluding Sentence/Wrap Up:
2. Restatement of Thesis
3. Overview?? Something to think about??