Thematic Essays

Introduction:

1) Go to the task box.

2)Your thesis statement should be a summary of all the bulleted commands in the task box.
Remember: to change the commands into 1 or 2 statements.
Remember to include your topics or examples from history in these sentences-(Who, What, Where, When)

3) Rewrite the historical context in your own words.

Body Paragraphs:

1) Go to the task box.

2) To create a topic sentence (first sentence of a body paragraph) change the bulleted command into a statement.  

3) Follow your topic sentence with 3 supporting statements.

Analysis Paragraph:
Relate the topic you are writing about in your essay with a topic that seems unrelated and draw connections between the 2.  Write about how one lead to the other.

Conclusion:

Rewrite the first sentences of every paragraph you've written one after the other in chronological order.

Rubric

Score of 5:

• Thoroughly develops all aspects of the task evenly and in depth 
• Is more analytical than descriptive (analyzes, evaluates, and/or creates information) 
• Richly supports the theme with many relevant facts, examples, and details 
• Demonstrates a logical and clear plan of organization; includes an introduction and a conclusion that are beyond a restatement of the theme 

Score of 4:

• Develops all aspects of the task but may do so somewhat unevenly 
• Is both descriptive and analytical (applies, analyzes, evaluates, and/or creates information) 
• Supports the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details 
• Demonstrates a logical and clear plan of organization; includes an introduction and a conclusion that are beyond a restatement of the theme 

Score of 3:

• Develops all aspects of the task with little depth or develops most aspects of the task in some depth 
• Is more descriptive than analytical (applies, may analyze, and/or evaluate information) 
• Includes some relevant facts, examples, and details; may include some minor inaccuracies 
• Demonstrates a satisfactory plan of organization; includes an introduction and a conclusion that may be a restatement of the theme 

Score of 2:

• Minimally develops all aspects of the task or develops some aspects of the task in some depth 
• Is primarily descriptive; may include faulty, weak, or isolated application or analysis 
• Includes few relevant facts, examples, and details; may include some inaccuracies 
• Demonstrates a general plan of organization; may lack focus; may contain digressions; may not clearly identify which aspect of the task is being addressed; may lack an introduction and/or a conclusion 

Score of 1:

• Minimally develops some aspects of the task 
• Is descriptive; may lack understanding, application, or analysis 
• Includes few relevant facts, examples, or details; may include inaccuracies 
• May demonstrate a weakness in organization; may lack focus; may contain digressions; may not clearly identify which aspect of the task is being addressed; may lack an introduction and/or a conclusion 

Score of 0:

• Fails to develop the task or may only refer to the theme in a general way; OR includes no relevant facts, examples, or details; OR includes only the theme, task, or suggestions as copied from the test booklet; OR is illegible; OR is a blank paper 

Sample Thematic Essay

The different types of belief systems in this world have always affected the lives of everyone. It had its impact on the past which caused major events in history and till this day it is affecting us. Some of the major belief systems are Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Confucianism and animism. These belief systems have affected us in many ways such as government, religion, practices of medicine and culture. Countries around the world were ruled based on these types of belief systems.

One of the major world famous belief systems was Christianity. At first, it was just religion that people followed but as years passed by, Christianity influenced different forms of government that controlled almost everything and had the most power. During the Middle Ages, when Europe was decentralized from having a strong government, there were no written laws and rules. This caused chaos and many people lost lives. But later the Church stepped in and took power.

The Romans had control over their people and had brought back peace and rules by using the Church. The Church had the most power, even greater power than the kings. They controlled the taxes, laws and every other thing. During Charlemagne’s reign, the Church gained its powers. People had to pay taxes to the Church and the Church owned many lands. The Church believed in Christianity and preached about the religion to the people in Europe. By having the most power, they were able to spread Christianity a lot. Many converted and accepted the religion and that is one of the main reasons why we have so many Christians today.

Islam is also one of the oldest and world famous religions of all time. Throughout Africa and the Middle East, Islam is a religion that has been practiced by most of the people. It spread throughout the world just like Christianity. From the Middle East, it spread to Africa and into Asia later on. Islam was one of the first belief systems that allowed women to have some rights because in Europe or other continents where other religions were practiced, women barely had any rights. They had to do what they were told.

Islam helped to expand trade throughout the world and helped everyone to learn about each other’s cultures. Not only that, but the Islamic Muslim empires were advanced in mathematics and astrology, which led to other nations to learn more and become educated and advanced as well. The Muslims also helped to preserve Greek and Roman culture and writings from being extinct. This helped to bring back cultures and in today’s world, we still use the letters and forms from those European countries. Their belief system had taxes as well and set of rules which helped them to conquer many parts of Africa and Middle East, but at the same time they had conflicts with other religions such as Judaism.

Both religions and belief systems had major impacts on this world and its people. These religions and belief systems helped nations and empires to rule for years without any problems. It influenced lots of people and helped to spread different types of religion. At the end, it can be said that religions and belief systems have played a big part in the past in creating and ruling new empires and nations. They have also taught us humans many ways of living our lives the right way.