American Icon Paragraph

The word icon means:
1. an image, picture, representation, etc.
2. a symbol resembling or analogous to the thing it represents
3. a person regarded as a political, historical or entertainment symbol or as a symbol of a belief or cultural movement.
4.  An individual, event or object whose notoriety is such that it is symbolic of the era it is associated with.

You are to select an American icon which appeals and interests you to a degree that you are excited to research and learn more about it.  Therefore, considerable thought should be given to your selection of an icon.

Once you have determined an American icon you need to compose a thesis statement expressing why the icon is important to American culture, for example:

John Wayne portrayed many rugged characters who were confronted by physical challenges, in so doing Wayne became the most recognizable movie star associated with the American west as well as World War II.

You will compose an introductory paragraph for an expository essay using the selected American icon as your subject.  Your paragraph should follow the process outlined below.  As with any composition in English this year your paragraph should apply MLA standards.

Expository Essay Introduction:

Step 1:  Begin with a sentence that introduces the general topic of your paper.
EXAMPLE:  Throughout the history of the United States there have been many notable individuals who represent the values associated with our country.

Step 2:  Distinguish how your topic is worthy of discussion compared to other considerations.
EXAMPLE:  A variety of accomplishments from historical to sports have help to distinguish America’s identity.

Step 3:  Provide an example associated with your selected icon that serves to show the importance of your selection.
EXAMPLE:  George Washington is often called the father of the United States because he was the first President as well as the leader of the American Revolution.

Step 4:  Identify how your selected icon compares to your expressed example.
EXAMPLE: As George Washington is associated with leading the United States in history, John Wayne is often identify similarly in the movie industry.

Step 5:  Express your thesis statement.
EXAMPLE:    John Wayne portrayed many rugged characters who were confronted by physical challenges, in so doing Wayne became the most recognizable movie star associated with the American west as well as World War II.



A Model Introduction for the American Icon introduction:

Throughout the history of the United States there have been many notable individuals who represent the values associated with our country.  A variety of accomplishments from historical to sports have help to distinguish America’s identity.  George Washington is often called the father of the United States because he was the first President as well as the leader of the American Revolution.  As George Washington is associated with leading the United States in history, John Wayne is often identify similarly in the movie industry.  John Wayne portrayed many rugged characters who were confronted by physical challenges, in so doing Wayne became the most recognizable movie star associated with the American west as well as World War II.

Your paragraph is valued as a quiz assessment.  The paragraph should be computer printed, titled and display the MLA heading and standards.  You should also include the internet sites used to obtain the evidence that you used to support your opinion.