2+PAPER--historical+American+prototype

Here is a copy of this first paper assignment:

Here is the assignment written out:


 * American Studies – English **
 * Mr. Sherbahn **
 * first paper **


 * Ben Franklin, early America, and the definition of “the American” **


 * Assignment: ** In an essay of at least 1000 words, use the material from history class and from Ben Franklin’s // Autobiography // to build a definition of what the historical prototype for being an “American” is. Include at least THREE central ideas to base your definition on. You may include additional commentary from other history (contemporary or otherwise) that you know to support this definition. However, // do not substitute // this other material for showing your knowledge of Franklin and the historical material that we have covered in class thus far this year.


 * Recommendations: **

· Introduce the general topic/assignment in an entertaining and lively way. · Introduce the central ideas that you will base your definition upon. In other words, write your thesis. · ** Follow  ** central ideas in the order that you list them in your intro paragraph. · ** Develop  ** each idea with examples and citations from Franklin and from your history notes. There should be at least TWO examples from Franklin and at least ONE example from your history notes for each idea. · ** Begin  ** paragraphs with // transitional phrases // that move the reader from the previous idea to the next idea, but do not simply rely on minimal words like “next” or “A more important American idea is….” Try to work on these transitions; they help make an average paper into a strong paper. · Return to the purpose of the paper, but avoid simply or merely repeating the phrasing of the intro sentences. Try to launch the reader on to some new thinking at the end without bringing up new topics that have not been discussed at all in the paper. · This is a formal academic essay. Please adhere to all the standards of formal punctuation and expression, and, as in all your work, ** follow our expectations of academic honesty. **
 * Intro paragraph:  **
 * Body paragraphs:  **
 * Conclusion:  **
 * Written expression:  **