QUESTION

Essay Facts: 4-5 pages, typed, 12-point font, double-spaced
MLA format documentation: in-text citations and Works Cited page!!!!
(Articles you will be writing about will be in the files section to read)
ESSAY: What approach or ideology would better enable all Americans to have better, more fair and prosperous lives for themselves and their families? In other words, should the United States, in order to ensure better lives for Americans, have a system that has more utopian ideals or more American dream ideals? You must take a position on this for the purposes of the essay, but you can arrive at one of four conclusions: 1) You emphasize utopian ideals but also think some American dream qualities also apply; 2) You emphasize American dream ideals but also think some utopian qualities also apply; 3) You believe almost exclusively in the ideals of utopia; 4) You believe almost exclusive in American dream ideals. Your job for this essay, then, is to argue your position and convince and persuade your readers that your position is the right one. You will do this by using a minimum of two of the above texts we’ve read, and you must use two additional texts not from this course.

SOLUTION

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Utopian vs. American Dream Essay

This assignment asks you to take a clear stance on whether utopian or American dream ideals offer a better path to prosperity and fairness for all Americans. To do this effectively, follow this structured approach, and you’ll write a strong, persuasive essay.

🔴 Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Length & Format:

4–5 pages (not including Works Cited)
12-point font, double-spaced
MLA format: in-text citations + Works Cited page

Sources:

Use at least 2 course texts from the Files section
Include 2 credible outside sources (articles, essays, books)

🟠 Step 2: Choose Your Argument Path

Decide which of these four positions you will argue:

Utopian ideals with some American dream elements
American dream ideals with some utopian elements
Almost exclusively utopian ideals
Almost exclusively American dream ideals

Pick the one that you truly believe you can support with strong evidence. Stick with it consistently.

🟡 Step 3: Outline Your Essay Structure

I. Introduction

Start with a hook (a powerful quote, stat, or question)
Provide a brief context on both ideologies
End with a clear thesis that states your position

II. Background: Defining the Ideals

Define utopian ideals (e.g., equality, collective well-being, social reform)
Define American dream ideals (e.g., individualism, meritocracy, economic mobility)
Keep this section concise but informative

III. Argument 1: First Major Reason Supporting Your Stance

Use one course text here
Analyze how the text supports your chosen ideology
Include commentary and real-life connection

IV. Argument 2: Second Major Reason

Bring in your second course text or outside source
Explain how this reinforces your position
Use specific quotes (MLA in-text citations)

V. Counterargument & Rebuttal

Acknowledge the opposing ideology
Explain its appeal or partial validity
Then refute it using one of your sources or logic

VI. Argument 3: Additional Support (Use an Outside Source)

Introduce your third source
Tie it back to your thesis and strengthen your main point
Show broader implications (e.g., societal impact)

VII. Conclusion

Restate your thesis with power
Reflect on what’s at stake—why this matters for the future
Leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea

🟢 Step 4: Choose and Integrate Your Sources

Course Texts: Choose those that best align with your argument
Outside Sources: Look for credible journalism, academic essays, or policy articles
- Example sources: The Atlantic, Brookings Institution, Harvard Business Review

Use MLA format for all citations:

In-text: (Author Last Name Page Number)
Works Cited: Alphabetize by author, follow MLA guidelines

🔵 Step 5: Write Your Draft

Follow your outline and write in clear, persuasive language:

Use transitions between paragraphs
Avoid generalizations—back up every claim with evidence
Be passionate but scholarly in tone

🟣 Step 6: Finalize Your Works Cited Page

Include all four sources:

Two from the course materials
Two outside sources
Use MLA format. Double-check punctuation and indentations (hanging indent style).

⚫ Step 7: Revise and Polish

Before submitting:

Check for grammar and spelling
Read aloud for flow
Ensure MLA formatting is consistent
Make sure each paragraph supports your thesis

Tutor’s Tip: This paper is all about clarity and persuasion. Make sure your argument is focused and that each section builds your case. Back up everything you say with specific evidence, and don’t forget the power of a strong conclusion!

Utopian vs. American Dream Ideals: Which Vision Leads to a Fairer Future?