Student Handout: Instructions for First Essay on Civic Virtue

The essay will have four paragraphs:

1. In the first paragraph, define civic virtue using at least five words or phrases from the material covered in class that describe the characteristics of a a person with civic virtue.

In the wake of crisis, commentators and news analysts have said the citizens of the United States are at their best when events are at their worst.

2. In second paragraph react to this statement by stating your opinion of whether or not the pivotal events of September 11, 2001 will galvanize U.S. citizens' beliefs and actions in response to the idea of civic virtue:

Either: In my opinion, most citizens of the United States will continue to demonstrate civic virtue and patriotism.

Or: In my opinion, most citizens of the United States will not continue to demonstrate civic virtue and patriotism.

3. The third paragraph will have a specific example from history or current events to support your opinion.

4. The fourth paragraph will have another specific example from history or current events to support your opinion.
Be very specific:

Evaluation: This essay will serve as the rough draft for a final essay on the same topic. This first essay is worth 10 points: 4 points for correctly following the directions for the first paragraph and 2 points each for correctly following the directions for the other three paragraphs.