The Argumentative Essay United States History

1. The Argumentative EssayUnited States History Mt. Lebanon High School 2013-2014

2. An argument is… The reasonable, educated opinion of a writer that establishes a claim and offers evidence to prove it while mediating the opposition.

3. Features of the argumentative essay • You will take a side on the question, so your essay will clearly state a viewpoint. For example: QUESTION: Was Andrew Carnegie a robber-baron or a captain of industry? THESIS: Though he took advantage of his employees and the competition, it is Andrew Carnegie's personal initiative and innovation that clearly position him among America's most successful captains of industry.

4. Features of the argumentative essay • You will concede some of the opposition’s position, so you will include a concession. Think of the concession as a “yes, but” statement. Yes, acknowledge some of the opposition’s concerns, but follow with a rebuttal of your own position. For example: • …Andrew Carnegie took advantage of his employees and his competitors. YES: • …Andrew Carnegie’s personal initiative and innovation make him a captain of industry. BUT:

5. Concession statements • Concede some of the opposition's concerns. • Consider what you might have used as support for your argument if you had chosen the other side • To signal the contrast between the opposition's argument and yours, it uses words like though, however, on the other hand, by contrast, yet, although, but, granted, naturally, of course, admittedly, naturally, or although it is true that. • Does not constitute an argument equal in size or scope to your own • Concessions must appear EITHERin each body paragraphorin a separate paragraph.

6. Thesis statement • Present a clear, concise, argumentative thesis that takes a side on the question. • Take a clear position on the question (Yes or no, Agree or disagree, It did or it didn’t) • Include an argumentative statement of WHY you agree or disagree, WHY yes or no, WHY it did or didn’t. • The thesis statement must include a reference to your concession statements in an effort to transition to your argument.

7. Concession AND Thesis Statement, for example Question: Was Andrew Carnegie a robber-baron or a captain of industry? CONCESSION • While Andrew Carnegie may have exploited his workers to help him succeed, POSITION • his role as a captain of industry is clear • because his hard work, innovations in the steel industry, and philanthropic contributions positively affected America. ARGUMENT

8. Introduction • Introduce the topic; set the topic in the greater scope of history. • What is the context? • What preceded this topic historically? • How has this topic evolved from others like it? • What other events precipitated this topic? • 4-5 sentences • Transition clearly to the question. • Present clear, concise, argumentative thesis that takes a side on the question and concedes some of the opposition's concerns.

9. Thesis (Concession) In the last half of the 19thcentury, American industrialists were amassing great personal fortunes. Through business savvy, innovation, and enterprise, these men made their riches and also earned their reputations in American history. Those who exploited others on the road to wealth were branded “robber-barons.” Others, those whose personal success positively impacted the country as a whole, earned the title “captains of industry.”Andrew Carnegie was arguably both. Though it was upon the backs of Americans who worked long hours for low pay that Carnegie became one of the richest men in America, Thesis (Position and Argument) Introduce Transition considering his rags to riches history, the way he revolutionized the steel industry, and, most importantly, his vast philanthropic contributions, Carnegie’s innovation and humanitarian efforts clearly merit him a post among the American captains of industry.

10. The Body Paragraphs CONTENT Include carefully selected details that advance the argument Include at least three different major topics, supported by 2-3 examples each Concede the opponents concerns EITHERin a paragraph, or throughout the ¶s. ANALYSIS • Use topic sentences to tie to the argument of the thesis • Discuss the significance of each example in relation to the topic sentence • Explain why these concerns aren’t as valid as the position of the argument.

11. Finally, Andrew Carnegie’s dedication to philanthropy and charity, not only for himself but for all people of wealth, undoubtedly position him among America’s most prominent captains of industry. One of Carnegie’s primary interests was to establish and fund free public libraries. When he began his quest in 1881, only a few libraries existed in the world, but to date, more than 2,500 libraries have been made possible by the Carnegie Corporation. Admittedly, Carnegie relied on the working poor to provide the manpower to fuel his factories and make him his millions. but Andrew Carnegie believed that his responsibility went beyond just profit. Carnegie was a leader in his community by captaining efforts to improve the lives of the common man. Carnegie believed that all men should have the resources to self-educate and consequently be successful. Undoubtedly, then, Carnegie’s leadership and libraries earn him the title of captain of industry, whereashis Gospel of Wealth doctrine precludes him as a robber baron. Analysis Topic Sentence Evidence Concession(s) OPTIONAL HERE (Could appear in another separate paragraph)

12. Conclusion • Restate the thesis statement. • Review the basis of your argument (briefly summarize the why element of your thesis as supported by the topics of your body paragraphs.) • Put the topic into the greater context of history. • What follows this topic historically? • How have other topics evolved from this one? • What other events did this topic cause? • What might the impact of this topic be on the future?