A course theme and/or approach to history that is not the focus of the essay.
A different discipline or field of inquiry.
*About 90% of valid synthesis attempts fall
into the first category of synthesis.
Synthesis requires more than a passing mention or comparison. It needs to be fleshed out in multiple sentences. It typically has its own paragraph at or near the end of the essay.
GOODNESS
Points
___/4
NOTE: All four Basic Points DO NOT have to be earned in order to get Bonus Points.
Appear in one place in the introduction or conclusion.
HISTORICAL THINKING SKILL
DESCRIBES the ways in which the historical development in the prompt was different from AND similar to developments that preceded and/or followed
2
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
ANALYZES the extent to which the historical development specified in the prompt was different from AND similar to developments that preceded and/or followed, providing specific examples to support
6
It is key here that if the prompt says that the periods before AND after must be addressed that they are both addressed.
This is typically (though not always) the capstone point – the icing on the cake of an amazing essay.
EVIDENCE & SUPPORT FOR ARGUMENT
Addresses the topic in question with specific examples of relevant evidence.
3
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
Utilizes specific evidence to fully and effectively substantiate the thesis (or relevant argument).
5
To earn this point, the student must use at least TWO (2) pieces of relevant, specific evidence.
This evidence must have breadth and depth in addition to being used effectively to argue a point.
SYNTHESIS
Extends the argument to make a connection beyond the scope of the prompt.
4
Acceptable Synthesis Categories:
A development in a different historical period, situation, era, or geographical area. *
A course theme and/or approach to history that is not the focus of the essay.
A different discipline or field of inquiry.
*About 90% of valid synthesis attempts fall
into the first category of synthesis.
Synthesis requires more than a passing mention or comparison. It needs to be fleshed out in multiple sentences. It typically has its own paragraph at or near the end of the essay.
GOODNESS
Points
___/4
NOTE: All four Basic Points DO NOT have to be earned in order to get Bonus Points.
A substantive thesis must meet ALL of the requirements to the right of the box.
1
The Thesis MUST:
Make a historically defensible claim.
Address all parts of the question (continuity AND change).
Do more than just re-state the prompt.
Appear in one place in the introduction or conclusion.
HISTORICAL THINKING SKILL
DESCRIBES historical continuity AND change
over time.
2
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
ANALYZES specific examples that illustrate historical continuity AND change over time.
6
To earn this point, it is not necessary to do both well, but both must be addressed in some way.
This is typically (though not always) the capstone point – the icing on the cake of an amazing essay.
EVIDENCE & SUPPORT FOR ARGUMENT
Addresses the topic in question with specific examples of relevant evidence.
3
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
Utilizes specific evidence to fully and effectively substantiate the thesis (or relevant argument).
5
To earn this point, the student must use at least TWO (2) pieces of relevant, specific evidence.
This evidence must have breadth and depth in addition to being used effectively to argue a point.
SYNTHESIS
Extends the argument to make a connection beyond the scope of the prompt.
4
Acceptable Synthesis Categories:
A development in a different historical period, situation, era, or geographical area. *
A course theme and/or approach to history that is not the focus of the essay.
A different discipline or field of inquiry.
*About 90% of valid synthesis attempts fall
into the first category of synthesis.
Synthesis requires more than a passing mention or comparison. It needs to be fleshed out in multiple sentences. It typically has its own paragraph at or near the end of the essay.
GOODNESS
Points
___/4
NOTE: All four Basic Points DO NOT have to be earned in order to get Bonus Points.
A substantive thesis must meet ALL of the requirements to the right of the box.
1
The Thesis MUST:
Make a historically defensible claim.
Address all parts of the question (compares AND contrasts).
Do more than just re-state the prompt.
Appear in one place in the introduction or conclusion.
HISTORICAL THINKING SKILL
DESCRIBES similarities AND differences among historical individuals, events, developments, or processes.
2
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
EXPLAINS the reasons for similarities AND differences among historical individuals, events, developments, or processes.
6
To earn this point, it is not necessary to do both well, but both must be addressed in some way.
Some prompts may as the student to EVALUATE the relative significance of the historical individuals, events, developments, or processes.
EVIDENCE & SUPPORT FOR ARGUMENT
Addresses the topic in question with specific examples of relevant evidence.
3
Another point is earned if, in addition, the student
Utilizes specific evidence to fully and effectively substantiate the thesis (or relevant argument).
5
To earn this point, the student must use at least TWO (2) pieces of relevant, specific evidence.
This evidence must have breadth and depth in addition to being used effectively to argue a point.
SYNTHESIS
Extends the argument to make a connection beyond the scope of the prompt.
4
Acceptable Synthesis Categories:
A development in a different historical period, situation, era, or geographical area. *
A course theme and/or approach to history that is not the focus of the essay.
A different discipline or field of inquiry.
*About 90% of valid synthesis attempts fall
into the first category of synthesis.
Synthesis requires more than a passing mention or comparison. It needs to be fleshed out in multiple sentences. It typically has its own paragraph at or near the end of the essay.
GOODNESS
Points
___/4
NOTE: All four Basic Points DO NOT have to be earned in order to get Bonus Points.
