One free response question deals with continuity AND change over time.
In the essay you also give an analysis of the dynamics (causes and other factors) of change and continuity.
Writing time: 40 minutes
The Change-Over-Time Essay
Underline, box, and/or note the key parts of the prompt.
Write 2 examples or types of change & a piece of historical evidence for each change.
For one of the changes, write a reason why the change took place or a possible result.
Write 2 examples or types of continuity & a piece of historical evidence for each change.
Write a thesis statement that contains the main elements of change and continuity from above.
Define the topic at the starting point of the time period specified. (2 or 3 sentences)
COT Essay Structure
1. Introduction with thesis – Prove something!
2. Be sure to answer all parts of the question (Change, continuities, political, economic, etc.)
3. Using a three stage frame work for your body paragraphs:
Body paragraph #1: Set the stage. Discuss the characteristics of first “chunk” of time.
Body paragraph #2: Describe a turning point in that society. It does not necessarily have to be in the middle of the period, but should be a source of change. Discuss the immediate impact of this turning point.
Body paragraph #3: Discuss the characteristics of second “chunk” of time. Explain the impact of the turning point and analyze-why they occurred? (Both change and continuity)
4. Use a minimum of 5 or 6 pieces of evidence for each part of your essay. This
evidence should include both changes and continuities.
5. In conclusion, the essay must connect to the big picture (the global context).
In the first few sentences, describe the beginning point of the topic under analysis.
Include your thesis - Make sure that your thesis responds directly to the prompt and includes both CHANGE and CONTINUITY.
- Make sure your thesis answers the question and attempts to prove something.
Mention time periods.
Example of an introduction and thesis
The interaction between nomadic and settled peoples has affected world history for thousands of years. Between the years 600 and 1450, China was greatly influenced by nomadic peoples. The invasion of the Mongols led to the creation of the world’s largest empire and influenced China politically, economically and socially. Throughout the rule of the Mongols and the recovery after, however, China was able to maintain its unique identity and culture.
Question:Discuss the changes and continuities of the political and economic systems of ONE of the following areas from the years 500 BCE- 1450 CE. South Asia (India) West Africa East Asia (China, Japan)
Change Over Time Essay
The interaction with Muslim merchants starting in 700 CE transformed West Africa from decentralized tribes into powerful Kingdoms with extensive economic wealth that played a major role in the world. However, they maintained rule by native leaders and continued the slave trade.
THESIS:
The Change-Over-Time Essay
If the prompt is: Analyze the changes and continuities in world trade systems from 1450 to 1750.
Your thesis might read: Around 1450 Asia and the Ottomans ruled the seas and land routes were still popular but by 1750 there were major changes in world trade as the Americas were connected to Eurasia and as Western Europeans began to dominate global sea trade. However, the overland trade routes of Asia continued to flourish.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
You could write:
One major change in world trade was the opening of the Americas. World trade was altered not only in its patterns but its products. The precious metals and crops of the Americas and the Atlantic slave trade from West Africa to the Americas provided new wealth for Europeans.
Another change was European dominance of the Indian Ocean trade. First the Portuguese, then the Spanish, Dutch, and English replaced Arab merchants as the carriers of goods in the Indian Ocean.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
You could write:
A continuity in world trade includes the overland routes of Asia. Since the classical period, the products of Asia like silk and porcelain moved along the Silk Roads that connected East Asia to the Middle East.
The Change-Over-Time Essay
ANALYSIS of the Change or Continuity means that you give reasons for the change or continuity OR why the changes happened.
Why did Europeans control the Americas?
Why didn’t the Chinese stop European advancement?
What made the Silk Roads last so long as a trade route?
The Change-Over-Time Essay
If one of your pieces of evidence was . . . First the Portuguese, then the Spanish, Dutch, and English replaced Arab merchants as the carriers of goods in the Indian Ocean.
You could analyze this by writing. . .
The innovations and advancements in ship building and firepower allowed the Europeans to overwhelm East African and Asian ships and trading ports.
Or
Though the Ming Chinese had the technology to control Asian sea trade, they chose instead to continue to make profits by allowing others to carry the goods to and from their ports. This gave the Europeans a chance to gain control over East African, Arab, and Indian merchants.
Evidence and analysis
Example of Environmental Change 1450-1750: There was a significant change to the global environment through the spread of plants and animals in this period.
Evidence: For example, several food crops, like the potato and corn, became a staple in many regions (China) after its introduction from the Americas.
Analysis: A population explosion resulted in China from these new food crops which created some of the social problems leading to the end of the Qing dynasty.
In the time periods 600-1750 (Units II and III) the Western World went through a number of changes. These changes brought Western Europe from isolation to playing a major role in world affairs. For this essay you will:
Give a detailed analysis of Western Europe in the time period 600-1450 addressing the political, economic and social factors that guided Western development.
Discuss how Western Europe changed from 600-1450 to 1450-1750. Once again, you should address the major political, economic, and social themes.
Idea for Structuring Your Essay
Introduction paragraph with a thesis Example of a thesis: From 600-1450 W. Europe was politically _______________, economically _______________, and socially ___________________ but as a result of _____________________ from 1450-1750 it became _______________, ________________, and ___________________.However, W. Europe remained _____________________.
Body Paragraph discussing W. Europe politically, socially, and economically in Unit 2
Paragraph stating AND analyzing a causation of change
Body Paragraph discussing W. Europe politically, socially, and economically in Unit 3
Paragraph discussing the continuities (what is still present in unit 3 that was there in unit 2)
