argumentative essay
Humanities
For years, there has been controversy about whether “under God” was or was not an appropriate phrase to include in the Pledge, and whether people should even be required to say the Pledge. These arguments are partly based on whether the Founding Fathers thought of our country as being, or intended it to be, Christian. Since we can’t go back in a time machine and ask them straight out, we can only look at what they ‘said’ in their letters, speeches, and other writings. Since “under God” was added after the original Pledge of Allegiance was written we sometimes wonder what the Founding Fathers would have thought of the controversy over it. Choose one of the Founding Fathers, from the list below. Learn their belief system and write an essay arguing that the person you chose would agree or not agree with adding “under God” to the Pledge.
Use direct quotes, from the websites listed below, by the man you chose. You MAY read other, more recent opinions as background for writing your essay, but don’t quote them (and definitely don’t copy and paste them into your paper–that would be plagiarism). Here are some questions to ask yourself during your research. Consider both the exact words, and any implications. DON’T just write answers to these questions for your essay as a means to guide your learning. This paper should show what you have learned through your research.
Your thesis statement for this essay might be something like “__________’s writings suggest (or prove) that he was a Christian” or “___________ was not a true Christian” or “Whether or not ____________ was a Christian was not important in forming our government.” Regardless, you need to use quotes from his own words as evidence and document your sources in your essay.
|
05.02.03 Argumentative essay (Citizenship2)
|
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!