DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use

evidence from at least SIX (6) documents in the body of the essay. Support your response with relevant facts,

examples, and details. Include additional outside information.

This question is based on the accompanying documents (1–9). The question is designed to test your ability to work

with historical documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of this question. As you

analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented

in the document.

Historical Context:

A turning point is defined as a period in history when a significant change occurs. Three of these turning points were

the Neolithic Revolution, the Age of Exploration, and the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union.

Task: Using information from the documents and your knowledge of global history, write an essay in which you:

Choose two of these turning points and for each:

• Explain why it is considered a turning point

• Evaluate whether the impact of the turning point has been positive or negative