Mr. Sullivan
Name ______________________
AP World History
Date _________________
Comparative Essay – POD #1 – Neolithic Revolution
WORLD HISTORY
SECTION II
Part C
(Suggested planning and writing time—40 minutes)
Directions: You are to answer the following question. You should spend 5 minutes organizing or
outlining your essay.
Write an essay that:
 Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence.
 Addresses all parts of the question.
 Makes direct, relevant comparisons.
 Analyzes relevant reasons for similarities and differences.
Task:
Compare and contrast the likely social,
religious, and economic characteristics of a
hunter-gather society to residents of a
Neolithic town like Catal Huyuk or Jericho.
Grading Scale:
9 = 100
8 = 95
7 = 91
6 = 88
5 = 82
4 = 75
3 = 69
2 = 65
1 = 55
Comments:
Score: ____/ 9
1
In developing your answers to the thematic essay, be sure to address the task by keeping these general
definitions in mind…

Analyze means “to determine the nature and relationship of the component elements”

Compare and Contrast means “to discuss similarities and differences”

Describe means “to illustrate something in words or tell about it”

Discuss means “to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and argument; to
present in some detail”

Evaluate means “to examine and judge the significance, worth, or condition of; to determine the
value of”

Explain means “to make plain or understandable; to give reasons for or causes of; to show the
logical development of relationships of”
A good essay….

Will have an introductory paragraph (tell me what you are going to tell me)

Will have multiple (2-4) body paragraphs (tell me)

Will have an conclusion paragraph (tell me what you told me)

Be filled will specific facts (glittering generalities need not apply)

Define terms

Give historical examples

Avoid "I" statements

Avoid repeating the historical context or question already provided

Details, Details, Details, Details, Details

Use names and places, maybe even dates
1 THESIS PARAGRAH is the single, specific claim that your essay supports. A good thesis
statement is not simply an observation, a question, or a promise. It includes a topic, a precise opinion, and
reasoning.
o Please use one of these templates:

[Something] [does something] because [reason(s)].

Because [reason(s)], [something] [does something].

Although [opposing evidence], [reasons] show [Something] [does something].
o Give Explanation
3-4 SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS
contains the evidence, details and analysis to
support and defend your thesis statement. This needs to contain specific examples, historical names, dates
and places, direct quotes if possible, definitions etc. The more specific you can be the better.
o
o
o
o
Every paragraph must start with a topic sentence (TS) with specific topic words (TW) that
relate directly to the thesis statement
Each topic sentence must be supported with specific analysis and examples (A) that relate
directly to and support the topic sentence (TS)
Each analysis and example (A) must be specifically (B) supported with details, names, places,
quotes, definitions, etc
Each paragraph should be summarized by showing how the analysis and evidence (A) that has
been specifically (B) supported with details to confirm the connection (C) to the thesis
statement
1 CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH is a summary of your essay
o
You must demonstrate how your topic sentences (TS) with topic words (TW) prove your thesis
statement
2
Scoring Criteria
Provides an appropriate,
explicitly stated, thesis
that DIRECTLY
addresses a comparison
of the issues or themes
specified
1 pt.
Essay Organization & Details
Points
a. Addresses differences
and similarities, though
not necessarily or evenly
2 pts.
b. Address either
differences or
similarities
1 pt.
a. Substantiates thesis
with appropriate
historical evidence, 4 or
more
2 pts.
b. Partially substantiates
thesis with appropriate
evidence, 3 or less
1 pt.
Makes at least one or
two relevant, direct
comparisons between or
among societies
1 pt.
Analyzes at least one
reason for a similarity or
difference identified in a
direct comparison
1 pt.
Expands beyond basic
core of 1 to 7 points.
A student MUST earn
7 points in the basic
core area before
earning points in the
expanded core area.
Examples:
 Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
 Analyzes all issues of the question (as relevant): global context, chronology, causation, change,
continuity, effects, content
 Relates comparisons to a larger global context
 Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies
 Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences.
SCORING IN THIS
AREA IS AT THE
DISCRETION OF THE
READER!
2 pts.
3