Name:_________________
Block:_________________
Date:______________
Social Studies 6
Social Studies 6— 1st Quarter Formal Essay Topics
DIRECTIONS: During this quarter, students are required to write one formal, five-paragraph
essay. This essay can be turned in at any time before the due date. Students will choose one
topic from the below listed choices for their essay. All three essay topics are related to the areas
of study that we will be looking at during 1st quarter. All student essays for this quarter are due
by no later than___________________________________. They can, however be turned in at
any time before that date. The rubric that will be used to grade these essays is included on this
page.
All student essays need to be typed, double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font. This topic
sheet MUST BE STAPLED to the front of essay. Below, students must circle the topic that they
have chosen for their essay. Failure to adhere to these formatting requirements will result in an
automatic 5 point deduction from the final grade for the essay.
Possible Essay Topics:

What geographic feature is the most important for a successful civilization? Think about
the various geographic features that were looked at during our introductory unit and think
about their usefulness to early human societies. Choose one of these features and
ARGUE that it is the MOST IMPORTANT to the start of a successful civilization.
Provide at least three specific and logical reasons that support of your argument.

As part of your study of Mesopotamia, you have been exposed to Hammurabi’s Code, the
first known set of written laws created by a human civilization. Look at examples from
these laws. Would you want to live in a society governed by these laws? State your
opinion as to whether you would wish to live in such a society. Then, identify three laws
from Hammurabi’s Code that either cause you to live in a society like that or three laws
that cause you to NOT want to live in a society like Hammurabi’s. Explain specifically
why you like or dislike these laws.

In your study of Ancient Egypt, the Nile was discussed as a very important part of
Egyptian culture. Provide some geographic and historical background of the Nile River.
Then, identify three specific reasons that the Nile was very important to the people of
Ancient Egypt. Make sure to discuss each of your reasons in detail.
Grading Rubric:
ON TOPIC AND
CORRECT
FORMAT
INTRODUCTIO
N
BODY
PARAGRAPHS
CONCLUSION
SPELLING,
AND
GRAMMAR
Comments:
EXCELLENT
(20 POINTS)
GOOD
(17 POINTS)
POOR
(14 POINTS)
Does all of the following:
-directly addresses essay
topic
-5 paragraphs of at least 4
sentences in length
-clearly addresses all
aspects of the question
Does all of the following:
-clearly describes and
identifies the topic
-provides background
information on the topic
-provides background
information on topic
-introduces the purpose of
the essay
Does 2 of the following:
-directly addresses essay
topic
-5 paragraphs of at least 4
sentences in length
-clearly addresses all
aspects of the question
Does all of the following:
-clearly describes and
identifies the topic
-provides background
information on the topic
-provides background
information on topic
-introduces the purpose of
the essay
Does all of the following:
-each paragraph focuses
on a different
reason/example/argument
in support of your topic
-uses specific, logical, and
detailed reasoning
-uses details relevant to
the topic
Does all of the following:
-each paragraph focuses
on a different
reason/example/argument
in support of your topic
-uses specific, logical, and
detailed reasoning
-uses details relevant to
the topic
Does all of the following:
-restates the topic and
purpose
-summarizes
reasons/examples/argumen
ts provided in body
paragraphs
-makes or uses a
concluding
statement/opinion/quote
on topic
Does all of the following:
-restates the topic and
purpose
-summarizes
reasons/examples/argumen
ts provided in body
paragraphs
-makes or uses a
concluding
statement/opinion/quote
on topic
Does all of the following:
-uses proper spelling
-uses proper punctuation
-sentences are wellconstructed and make
sense
Does all of the following:
-uses proper spelling
-uses proper punctuation
-sentences are wellconstructed and make
sense
Does 1 of the following:
-directly addresses essay
topic
-5 paragraphs of at least
4 sentences in length
-clearly addresses all
aspects of the question
Does all of the
following:
-clearly describes and
identifies the topic
-provides background
information on the topic
-provides background
information on topic
-introduces the purpose
of the essay
Does all of the
following:
-each paragraph focuses
on a different
reason/example/argumen
t in support of your topic
-uses specific, logical,
and detailed reasoning
-uses details relevant to
the topic
Does all of the
following:
-restates the topic and
purpose
-summarizes
reasons/examples/argum
ents provided in body
paragraphs
-makes or uses a
concluding
statement/opinion/quote
on topic
Does all of the
following:
-uses proper spelling
-uses proper punctuation
-sentences are wellconstructed and make
sense
Essay Grade:
NOT
DONE
(0
POINTS)
Not
Complete
Not
Complete
Not
Complete
Not
Complete
Not
Complete