Success Academy
Technology and Ideas Essay
World Studies
Essential Question: How have technology and ideas shaped world history?
Learning Target: I will compose a five paragraph essay explaining the impact of one piece of technology or an
idea on world history.
You will compose a five paragraph essay examining the impact of one of the following technological advances.
The Printing Press
Vaccines
Banking
Democracy and Human Rights
Thesis statement will
need to be approved
before beginning work
on each essay.
The Scientific Method
The Factory
Capitalism and Trade
Intellectual Property Rights
This is only a 5 paragraph essay, so though not extremely detailed, it should be factual and accurate and
verifiable by the works cited described below. There should be an identifiable thesis statement that takes a
specific position on the idea or technology and how either has shaped world history. You should use at least
one quote from an expert, historian or intellectual in the field to support your thesis. Assume some basic
knowledge of the topic by your reader. This is not a research paper and you should NOT simply discuss what
________ is, or recite the Wikipedia page, be sure to have a viewpoint or position to defend.
Works Cited
You are required to cite all your sources. Sources should be cited in a Works Cited in MLA format. All
sources must be credible and reputable. Sources such as Wikipedia or personal blogs will not be accepted. You
must cite at least 3 sources and should look at many more in your research.
Projects will be submitted for a grade via the shared folder. Because this is a credit recovery class the highest
grade you may receive is a “B” or “3.” Each section of the rubric must be scored as a “2” or “3” or the essay
will have to be edited and resubmitted until that standard is met.
Rubric
Thesis
Works Cited
Support
3
2
1
0
Takes a clear, specific
position on how the
idea or technology has
shaped world history.
All facts are accurately
cited in proper MLA
format. Sources are
credible and accurate
and easily verifiable. It
is easy to see where all
information was
gathered.
Position is identifiable,
but could be improved.
Position is either not
clear or not specific.
Some facts are not
cited, MLA format is
questionable, and some
sources are of
questionable credibility.
It can be difficult to see
where information was
found.
Position taken is both
unclear and very
generic. Thesis is
difficult to identify.
Many facts are not
cited, MLA format is
not followed, and many
sources are of
questionable credibility.
Finding where
information was found
is a chore or impossible.
Does not take a position
on how the idea has
shaped world history.
Supporting details
connect clearly and
directly to thesis.
Details are based in fact
and supported by
sources or quotes. They
are strong and difficult
to refute. Together they
fully defend the thesis.
Supporting details
vaguely connect to
thesis. Facts and quotes
could be stronger. The
details could be
improved to better
defend or answer the
thesis statement.
Supporting details
vaguely connect to the
thesis. Details leave out
direct quotes or facts
that could improve the
position taken on the
technology or idea.
Support does not
connect directly to
thesis. Support is not
factual or has no
sources connected to
validate the argument.
Many facts are not
cited, MLA format is
not followed, and many
sources are of
questionable credibility.
Finding where
information was found
is a chore or impossible
Standards Mastered with Completion (depending on topic chosen)
Civics:
• Students will evaluate the impact of various forms of government on people in world history
(1450 to present). (1.2.3)
• Students will analyze the relationships and tensions between national interests and international
issues in world history. (1.3.1)
History:
• Students will analyze change and continuity within a historical time period. (4.1.1)
• Students will analyze how individuals, movements, cultures, technology and ideas have shaped
world history. (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3)
Skills:
• Students will create and use research questions to focus inquiry on social studies issues and
historical events. (5.1.2)
• Students will evaluate the validity, reliability, and credibility of primary and secondary sources
when researching an event in world history. (4.3.1, 5.2.2)
• Students will create strategies to avoid plagiarism and respect intellectual property when
developing a paper or presentation. (5.4.2)
Sample Essay Outline
Introduction
 Brief background information about the historical question
 Thesis clearly identifying a position on the historical question
 Overview of main points of support for the position
Body Paragraphs
 Reason #1 for the position on the historical question
Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary
sources supports reason #1.
Cite the sources of information

Reason #2 for the position on the historical question
Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary
sources supports reason #2.
Cite the sources of information

Reason #3 for the position on the historical question
Present and explain evidence from primary and/or secondary
sources supports reason #3.
Cite the sources of information
Conclusion
 Reiteration of the position of the paper
 Summarization the main points of the paper

Explanation of how studying this historical question helps us
to understand current issues and events
Page one