Book Assignment: For Cause and Comrades

In The Best War Ever, Michael C. C. Adams discusses the myths that shaped society’s perceptions about World War Two and the generation that lived through the affair. However, Adams points out that this war and the generation that lived through it were not perfect and offers various examples that place the 1930s-1940s within a historical reality. For this assignment, students will select three factors that challenge the commonly held beliefs that World War Two and its generation were free of flaws or mistakes. The essay will be worth 100 points or 10% of the students’ final grade. The essay must be between 800 to 1,000 words.

How to set-up a Formal Essay:

Introduction:

It is important that you give credit to the author. You must mention that the information you will discuss in your paper derives from the work of Michael C.C. Admas. Introduce the author and the title of his work. In addition, make sure you cite direct quotes. This is also not a novel; novels are fiction.

In the thesis, you must introduce the topic (3 of the factors that challenge commonly held ideas about World War Two and its generation). The thesis must also include an argument that ties these three factors together.

Body of Essay:

Develops your main points about the topic using several paragraphs. Provides evidence and examples from the book to support your main points. Each paragraph in this section should have a topic sentence that informs the reader what the content of the paragraph will focus on. Discussing other topics that are not connected to the topic sentence will make your essay confusing and will detract from your argument. For the purpose of this paper, it is highly recommended that you use a paragraph to address each of the three factors. Remember that paragraphs consist of 4 to 5 sentences, along with transition sentences that blend the essay together.

Conclusion:

Sums up the essay and repeats the thesis sentence (not word by word, just a new and similar version of the thesis). Do not introduce new information in the conclusion.

Paper Layout:

This paper will be typed and printed. A hard copy must be turned-in to the instructor. The font will be Times New Roman 12point. The paper will have one-inch margins (if you have questions about this, please ask the instructor). The essay will also be double-spaced, but not the heading. The paper should also include a word count after the conclusion (ex. Word Count: 957). No cover page is necessary. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the loss of points.

Heading Example:

Raúl Muñoz (Your name!)

History 1302-****

MWF 8:05am-9:00amTitle of Paper

This information should be on the left-hand side of your paper and unlike the essay. Do not double-space heading.

Citations:

Formal citations (Chicago) for this paper are not necessary since the information will come from the assigned reading. However, short/informal citations should be used when using direct quotes and should only include the last name of the author and the page number. Below you will find an example of this citation format. No more than 5 direct quotes will be allowed, so pick your evidence wisely. On the other hand, you should include quotes that support the argument you are making in each paragraph. Quotes should not be longer than two lines. If the quote is long, phrase some of the information in your own words. Also, make sure you introduce each quote (examples are found below). Do not start paragraphs with quotes; use topic sentences.

Citation Example:

“Soldiers from other states were not far behind Texas in the rhetoric of revenge” (McPherson, 149).

Examples of Quote Introductions:

According to… “

The author notes that… “

McPherson mentions that… “

Essay Grading Rubric: 100 Points

Criteria Points

Thesis and Content (30 points)

____The essay includes a clear and concise thesis (10 points)

____The author and book title are mentioned in the intro (10 points)

____The length of the essay is adequate (10 points)

____ Supporting Quotes: Too many or not enough (-5 for each extra/missing)

Style, Grammar, Spelling, & Mechanics (20 points)

____Language is clear [grammar and punctuation] (10 points)

____Essay includes topic & transition sentences (10 points)

Organization (20 points)

____Essay is organized and follows the thesis (10 points)

____Essay includes introduction, conclusion, and body paragraphs (10 points)

Course Theme & Critical Thinking (30 points)

____Critical thinking is exhibited in the analysis/arguments (10 points)

____Understanding of the material is evident (10 points)

____Historical facts and context meets expectations (10 points)