Informative Writing Piece Social Studies

PROMPT: Our unit essential question is “What are civilizations and why do they form?” After learning about the earliest civilizations and factors that shaped their establishment, you are going to apply those factors to where people live today. Inform your audience about a present-day civilization around the world and, using what you have learned about ancient civilizations; explain why this civilization has grown in this certain location. Finally, you will share what the new civilization can learn from the old one – which is ultimately the point of studying history!

Big Picture Essay Format: 1 st Paragraph: Where do people tend to live? (physical features, climate, resources) Thesis: why do people live in your present day civilization? 2 nd Paragraph: Ancient Civilizations (where did they live in regards to physical features, climate, resources?) (domestication, farming, irrigation, rivers) 3 rd Paragraph: Present-day Civilization (for your city, what is the climate like, where can we get resources, what physical features are desirable) 4 th Paragraph: What can we learn from the past? (How can you compare meeting basic human needs from ancient times to modern day?) (What do we do now that is similar to what they did back then?) 5 th Paragraph: Conclusion (re-state thesis) (sum up essay)

Research and Discover Research several present-day civilizations from all over the world. Remember what factors make a civilization. Use books from the library Use your devices (DDL required) Use the classroom computers Use the classroom iPad Use your prior knowledge

Your Choice Choose two or three present-day civilizations that you would like to focus your prompt on. Have your teacher approve your civilization. Make sure you are able to complete the prompt using this civilization (you have resources and prior knowledge of this civilization). VERY IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU BEGIN GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CIVILIZATIONS (MODERN AND ANCIENT) YOU MUST WRITE DOWN THEIR SOURCES.

1 st paragraph: Objective: Introduce tropic – Civilization: Where does it happen and why? Think about the following questions and use them as a guide to writing this paragraph: Where do people live? Why do they choose specific locations? (Climate, physical features, resources) What are basic human needs? Thesis: Make an assertion about your present-day civilization. Alexandria, Kentucky is ideal for the development of a civilization because of its physical features, abundance of resources and mild climate. Refrain from beginning your essay with “I will talk about… My essay is about”… etc… Begin by stating what a civilization is, why people choose to live where they live (climate, physical features, resources), and then state why your present-day civilization has flourished.

2 nd paragraph: Objective: Ancient Civilization Think about the following questions and let them guide you when writing this paragraph: What are the patterns of settlement in ancient civilizations? River civilizations… How did they meet their basic needs? Trade…hunting and gathering… How did they interact with the environment? Farming…irrigation…

3 rd paragraph: Objective: Present-day Civilization Think about the following questions and let them guide you when writing this paragraph: Why was this civilization settled in its location? Refer to your thesis… How do people meet their basic needs? Remember this is present day… How do people interact with their environment? How is the land used today…

4 th paragraph: Objective: What can we learn from the past? Think about the following questions: Why do people settle in certain places? Learning from mistakes… meeting basic needs… How do people develop over time? technology… use of the land… developments and advancements… What patterns do you see in settlement over time? What do we do today that is similar to ancient settlements…

5 th paragraph: Objective: Conclusion Think about the following: Re-state thesis State your thesis in a different way than you did in the introduction paragraph Sum up main point (essential question) Back up your thesis Re-read the prompt and make sure this sums up your answer to it

Peer Review Read at least two classmate’s essays Circle incorrect spelling and mechanical errors Put a question mark next to confusing parts Write comments where the author did a good job explaining and where the author needs improvement (be specific) Discuss with the author where they need improvement and where they were successful

Step 10: Revise and Edit Using feedback from Peer Reviews, edit and revise your essay Spelling Grammar Punctuation Capital letters Correct word form (to and too, their there and they’re, etc.) Make sure you followed the guideline for each paragraph Does it make sense when you read it? Read it again when you are finished to make sure it is perfect!

Type final draft Type your final draft Size 12 point font Use a font that can be read easily (nothing silly or “curly”) Black color Add a heading to the first page of your paper (do not type it in the “Heading” area or it will copy on all pages) Your Full Name Date Informative Essay Social Studies- Rexroat You must have an MLA style works cited page Print and hand in on or before due date with rough draft paper clipped to the back OR final copy to and hand in rough draft on or before due