Writing an Introduction Honors American History

Four Parts Setting (one simple sentence) – tells the reader about the subject/topic of the essay Comment or Concession (one sentence) – tells the reader about the “task” of the essay AND “hints” at the thesis Subtopic Sentences (one sentence each) – each sentence answers the question as it relates to one subtopic; must explain how? why? or in what way? (analysis) Thesis Statement (one sentence) – simple, direct response to the question

Setting In the late 19th century, many men achieved great wealth in industry. The Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century allowed several men to become very wealthy. In the late 19th century, men like Rockefeller and Carnegie, as well as many others, achieved great wealth.

Comment or Concession? Use a comment when there is really no “debate” inherent in the question. Analyze the causes of the Industrial Revolution. Use a concession when the essay invites you to offer your opinion. “The United States was justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan.” Assess the validity of this statement. Either way, this sentence should: explain the “task” of the essay “hint” at the thesis

Concessions Although the industrialists helped expand the economy, the ways in which they did so were unfair. Even though these industrialists often exploited their labor, their contributions to American industry were great. Whereas the industrialists often achieved their wealth in unethical ways, they also provided economic opportunities to millions of Americans.

Subtopic Sentences One sentence for each subtopic. Each sentence should answer the question (in part). Do NOT include specific evidence in these sentences. Offer some analysis by answering the questions: how? why? or in what way? (H/W/IWW?) Too vague vs. too specific

Too “Vague” Subtopic Sentences The wealthy industrialists were captains of industry. The industrialists were “captains” because they helped the economy. The entrepreneurs and industrialists did some things that make them “robber barons.”

Too “Specific” Subtopic Sentences The wealthy industrialists were “robber barons” because they reduced competition, paid low wages, and had bad working conditions. Some entrepreneurs and industrialists were very charitable, making them “captains of industry.”

Thesis Statement Not a very important sentence if you have strong subtopic sentences. Simple, direct response to the question. Thus, the industrialists were “captains of industry.” Do not repeat the subtopics. Make sure this sentence “agrees” with the rest of the introduction.