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