Step 1
Conduct the following research to complete your assignment:
After it opened in 1892, the immigration station at Ellis Island, in New York Harbor, was the busiest entry point in the country for immigrants. Millions of immigrants, including many from southern and eastern Europe, first set foot on American soil on this island. To begin learning about the immigrant experience around 1900, find out what immigrants found when they arrived at Ellis Island. Further your investigation by finding out what immigrants did once they were processed through the immigration station at Ellis Island and settled into American life.
Think about these topics regarding the immigrant experience of this time.
Research
Source of Information
challenges of immigration
future hopes and dreams of immigrants
acclimating to life in America
discrimination of immigrants
acceptance of immigrants
Modification
Alternatively, conduct a safe search on the Internet or at your local library for information about Ellis Island and immigration in the late 1800s to early 1900s.
In addition, six primary documents should be used for this portfolio assignment. Perspectives from both immigrants and Americans opposed to immigration are represented in the primary documents. Analyze these documents for a firsthand perspective of immigration in America.
When analyzing the primary sources, think about the following questions:
What factual information is conveyed in this source?
What opinions are related in this source?
What is implied or conveyed unintentionally in the source?
What is surprising or interesting about the source?
How might others at the time have reacted to this source?
How does this source compare to the other primary sources?
How does this source compare to the other research you conducted?
Keeping these questions and answers in mind as you conduct your research will help you when you write your essay.
Step 2
Before you write your essay, reflect on the information you learned while researching immigration in the early 20th century. Note your thoughts to the following questions:
What challenges did immigrants face upon arrival in America?
What do you think these immigrants imagined for their future?
What dreams did they hold? Were the dreams the same for each group?
What steps do you think these immigrants would need to take in order to adjust to life in America?
How would immigrants learn to live in a nation with a culture different from their own?
Step 3
Now it’s time to consider all of the evidence and viewpoints and draw your own conclusions. Use your research and analysis of the primary documents to write an essay on the following topic:
How did immigration affect immigrants and other Americans around the year 1900?
Before you begin writing, review the Migration and Immigration in the Early 20th Century Portfolio Rubric.
Writing your Essay
In writing your essay, make sure that you:
Clearly state your view in a strong thesis statement.
Use a logical organization, including an introduction and a conclusion.
Use evidence from at least three primary source documents. Clearly identify which documents you are using.
Use information from at least two other sources. Correctly cite your sources.
Support your viewpoint with relevant facts.
Use standard spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.
Use social studies terminology correctly.
Read and revise your essay before submitting it to your teacher.
Heather Haworth's Comments:
In order to receive points for this essay you must have a works cited page and in-text citations.