APW Comparison Essay

Comparative essay rubricComparative Essay for AP World History Name: per

Question:

Basic Core – competence pts Expanded Core pts Suggestions for improvement:

1. Has acceptable thesis 1(addresses comparison of the issues or themes specified)2. Addresses all parts of the question, 2though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. [Addresses most parts of the question, (1)(For example, deals with differences butNot similarities.)]3. Substantiates thesis with appropriate 2historical evidence. [Partially substantiates thesis with (1)appropriate historical evidence.]4. Makes at least one or two relevant, 1direct comparisons between or amongsocieties.5. Analyzes at least one reason for a 1similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison.

Expands beyond basic core of 1-7 points. The basic core of 7 must be achieved before a student can earn expanded core points. 0-2Examples: has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive

thesis Addresses all parts of the question (as

relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content.

Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis.

Relates comparisons to larger global context Makes several direct comparisons

consistently between or among societies. Consistently analyzes the causes and effects

of relevant similarities and differences.

Subtotal 7 pts

Subtotal 2 pts

Possible total: 9 Student Score:

CORE SCORING• Identifies basic competency • Items 2 & 3 can earn 1 OR 2 points• Must get credit for ALL core scoring

points (7 total) to qualify for additional pts.

1. Has acceptable thesis (1pt) (addresses comparison of the issues or themes specified)

• NO FLUFF• Can be more that one sentence• Should be a closed thesis - Answer to Q• Should include some analysis• Should address time period• Should address similarities AND

differences• thesis practice

2. Addresses all parts of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly.

(1 or 2 pts)

• Answer the question, not something else• Address similarities and differences• Create logical analytical organization –

usually by categories, not the societies being compared

3. Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence. (1 or 2 pts)

• Historical evidence refers to specific facts; “pieces of evidence”• Do not include your opinion or value

judgments

4. Makes at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among

societies (1pt)

• Must link directly• Must be comparisons that make sense!• Eg: While Egyptians made preparations

for an afterlife, Mesopotamians tended to not consider an afterlife important or desirable.

5. Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a

direct comparison

• Analysis – why• The regularity of the flooding of the

Nile created a positive attitude towards the gods among the Egyptians. On the other hand, because Mesopotamia’s rivers flooded violently and unpredictably, the people considered the gods to be capricious.

• Consequently, while the Egyptians considered eternity with the gods desirable, the Mesopotamians hoped there wasn’t an eternity.

• Thesis practice:–Look at your introduction and

conclusion–Does the essay contain a complete

thesis?• Other core pts.–Does your essay fulfill these minimal

requirements

A “Question”

Analyze the similarities and differences in human lifestyles in the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras.

[write a complete thesis as a group]