The Age of Exploration
For part of your Chapter 6 assessment, you will be writing an essay.
Essay Topic:
Was Columbus a hero who ushered in economic well-being throughout the world? Or was he responsible for the destruction of the people and cultures of the Americas? Make sure to address the question of who “discovered” America, and whether or not it matters who discovered America.
Use the following sources and any other which you may find as approved by Miss Thomas:
Instructions for your Historical Essay
Make sure to especially notice information that supports the argument(s) that you are trying to make.
Page Requirements
Your Essay must be at least 1 ½ pages typed in 12 point Times New Roman font. Margins must be 1 inches, and paragraphs must be double spaced. Grammar and spelling does count.
Organization of a Five-Paragraph Essay | |
Paragraph 1: Introduction. Get the reader's attention. Introduce your main idea. State the main points that you intend to discuss. | |
Paragraph 2: State the first main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s). | . |
Paragraph 3: State the second main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s). | |
Paragraph 4: State the third main point (topic sentence). State the supporting detail(s). | . |
Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Restate your main idea. Restate your main points. Leave the reader with a good impression. |
You will be submitting your essay through Google docs. If you do not have or remember your email, please let Miss Thomas know ASAP.
Essay Rubric
Name: _________________________ Date: ________________________
CATEGORY | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | Score |
Quality of Information | Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. It is clear that the author's own thinking is the focus of the report. | Information clearly relates to the main topic. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples. | Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. It is unclear that the author's own thinking is the focus of the report. | Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic. The author's own thinking is not the focus of the report | |
Amount of Information | All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. | All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. | All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1 sentence about each. | One or more topics were not addressed. | |
Organization | Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. | Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. | Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well-constructed. | The information appears to be disorganized. 8) | |
Mechanics | No distracting grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. | Almost no distracting grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors | A few distracting grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. | Many distracting grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. | |
Notes | Notes are recorded and organized in an extremely neat and orderly fashion. | Notes are recorded legibly and are somewhat organized. | Notes are recorded. | Notes are recorded only with peer/teacher assistance and reminders. | |
Final Grade | Total Possible Points: 100 |
****This Rubric will be turned in with your Essay. ****