Writing a CCOT
Rubric
1. Has acceptable thesis
(Addresses global issues and the time
period(s) specified) – 1pt.
2. Addresses all parts of the question,
though not necessarily evenly or
thoroughly (both change and continuity)2pts.
3. Substantiates thesis with appropriate
historical evidence (6 pieces)- 2pts.
4. Uses relevant world historical context
effectively to explain change over time
and/or continuity – 1 pt.
5. Analyzes the process of continuity and
change over time – 1pt.
Format Outline:
Thesis
Change/Continuity Paragraph
Topic Sentence with change/continuity.
Evidence, Evidence, Evidence.
World history context
analysis
Change/Continuity Paragraph
Topic Sentence with change/continuity.
Evidence, Evidence, Evidence.
World history context
Analysis
1. Thesis
An acceptable thesis must have:
The global issues and the time periods
specified
Answer the question asked using their
wording
Categories of BOTH change and
continuity
Thesis Practice:
Here’s the prompt: Analyze the
continuities and changes in patterns
of interactions along the Silk Roads
from 200 BCE to 1450.
Are the following sentences
acceptable theses?
Thesis Practice:
From 200 BCE to 1450 CE, the Silk
Road continuities and changes in
patterns of interactions have changed
tremendously. First, the Silk Road
had many changes as to how it was
traveled. Next, things traded started
to decline due to technology. Finally,
the routes differed from these two
snapshots of history. Only Changes
Thesis Practice:
From 200 BCE to 1450 CE the Silk
Road’s patterns of interaction
underwent changes: the
intermediaries and civilizations it
connected changed, but it also
underwent continuities; the silk road
spread innovations, ideas, and goods.
Thesis Practice:
There were many continuities and
changes in patterns of interactions
along the Silk Roads from 200 BCE to
1450 CE such as a continuity of a
major spread of religion. An important
change is that it eventually became
not only the path for many luxury
goods, but it also became a road for
sickness and disease to spread.
Thesis Practice:
From 200 BCE to 1450 CE the Silk
Roads were involved with many
nations, and was in the middle of
many wars. Their were even some
major conflicts caused because of the
trades along the silk roads. After
analyzing information, it is clear that
the silk road led to many major events
in China.
No specific categories
3. Historical Evidence:
Must have at least 6 pieces (more gets you
into the 8-9 score range)
Must have evidence for BOTH change and
continuity
To count as separate pieces your evidence
can not be given in a list.
EX: China traded luxury goods such as silk,
porcelain, and paper. (1 piece of evidence)
EX: China traded many luxury goods, one of
which was silk. Another luxury good that China
traded was porcelain. (2 pieces of evidence)
BE SPECIFIC!!! (no “stuff”, “they”, “it”)
4. World Historical Context:
Must have specific regional context
and examples
“Over a period of time, Silk Roads
were responsible for bringing different
cultures into contact”
What cultures, where?
World Historical Context Example:
Buddhism went to China through the
Silk Road
Buddhism went from India to China
through the Silk Road.
World Historical Context Example:
Han China traded with Rome along
the Silk Road. It’s a trade route, of
course they traded!
Han China traded goods with Rome
along the Silk Road.
It’s a trade route, of course
they traded goods!
Han China traded luxury goods with
Rome along the Silk Road.
5. Analyzes the process of
continuity and change over time
Accurately explains the reason for or
impact of a continuity OR change
Not just cause and effect, must
include “why?”
Using “Due to” helps!
Example: The introduction of paper
along the silk roads allowed
governments to keep more detailed
records and enhance their power.
Examples of Old CCOT Prompts:
Analyze the changes and continuities in
commerce in the Indian Ocean region from
650 C.E. to 1750 C.E.
Analyze major changes and continuities in
the formation of national identities of ONE
of the regions listed below from 1914 to
present. Be sure to include evidence from
specific countries in the region selected.
Middle East
Southeast Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
Your Turn!
Analyze the continuities and changes
in your personality from Elementary
school to High School.
Thesis
Choose one category to write a body
paragraph about