Historical Essay
Summative Performance Task & Tool Harwood Union History Department
Your Challenging Task:
Answer a historical question in a formal academic essay using ample evidence from multiple sources.
Your Learning Target:
I can uses evidence from multiple sources to make a strong argument on an historical question or debate.
What is your Historical Question?
What RESOURCES will you mine for evidence?
Requirements
- 5 paragraph essay format, though you may have more than 5 paragraphs.
- Introduction with a hook, topic sentence, and a clear and compelling thesis statement (your main point!)
- Body Paragraphs which each make specific, powerful points – BIG Punches!
- A conclusion that summarizes your point of view and makes a final and original statement.
- Length – Between 3-6 pages (750-1500 words)
- Typed using Times New Roman 12pt Font, Double Spaced
- MLA formatted Citations and Works Cited page at the end of your essay
Learning Roadmap
Place a square around where you think you are right now for each of the Writing Elements below. You may circle elements in more than one column.
| Writing Elements | Just Getting Started -1- | Making Progress
– 2 – |
Proficient
– 3 – |
Beyond Proficient
– 4 – |
| Introduction Help Links Ultimate Intro Video |
I am learning how to develop an effective introduction, or I am learning more about the topic. | I have written at least one introduction and am making changes based on feedback provided by my peers, teacher, writing lab or other person. | I can write an introduction that includes a hook, an explanation of the topic, and a well qualified thesis statement. | I can write an introduction that provides an engaging hook, a clear explanation of the topic, and a strong, well qualified, and sophisticated thesis statement, which addresses all of the main parts of my essay. |
| Use of evidence and citations Help Links Hey Girls! Video Bibliography Help |
I am learning how to locate and properly cite the evidence I will use in my essay. | I have used some evidence to back up my claims. I have received feedback on the quality and quantity of my evidence and I am working on strengthening my argument further. | I can adequately support my claims with valid evidence from multiple sources that are properly cited. | I can fully support all of my claims with strong, compelling evidence from reliable sources that are all properly cited. |
| Analysis and Persuasion Help Links How-To Video From the Brits Video |
I am learning more about the topic so I can begin to form my own arguments(s). | I am working on making my arguments more persuasive by responding to feedback I’ve received from other competent people. | I can effectively argue my point of view by providing relevant background information, and using valid examples. | I can convincingly argue my point of view by providing relevant background information, using valid examples, acknowledging counter-claims, and developing claims — all in a clear and organized fashion. |
| Use of Language Help Links Effective Essay Video |
I am learning more about the use of language, organization, transitions, and the proper structure of a 5-paragraph essay. | I am making revisions to my essay in response to feedback I’ve received by other people. I am working on improving my word choices, organization, transitions, grammar, spelling and/or punctuation. | I can use effective language with logical organization and smooth transitions to engage the reader. I use language, style and tone appropriately and the essay features generally correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. | I can use strong, original language that is highly engaging, flows well, and is well organized. I use language, style and tone appropriate to its purpose and the essay features correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. |
| Conclusion Links for Help Time to Write Vid |
I am learning how to create a powerful conclusion. | I am working on making my conclusion more powerful by responding to the feedback I’ve received from other competent people. | My conclusion ties all of my ideas together in a clear and concise way and reminds readers about the importance of this topic. My conclusion may also raise new questions or make new connections to other time periods, topics, etc. | My conclusion ties all of my ideas together seamlessly and ends with strong statement that reminds readers about the importance of this topic. My conclusion also raises new questions and/or makes new connections to other time periods, topics, etc. |
Need some inspiration – check out this Essay Writing Music!
2) What is the #1 thing I can do to help you get started?
Learning Roadmap developed from the following sources:
New York Times Student Editorial Writing Contest Rubric Developed by the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook College. – http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/learning/pdf/2015/LearningNetwork_StudentEditorialContestRubric2015.pdf
Historical Essay Learning Scales developed by Adam Sargent
American Studies Writing Targets and Scales: Core Skills developed by Tedin Lange and Rob MacLeod –
https://docs.google.com/document/d/188cxlvCCU7MHSj5hoyBPO80UJh8XTt4VCC5-vCX0Ap8/edit?ts=560ac41a
