Download Imperial China Essay Project

Imperial China Essay Project
In this research project, you will use your textbook and readings to explore the achievements (inventions, improvements, good decisions) and shortcomings (mistakes, problems, bad decisions) of the Imperial Chinese Dynasties. Create a graphic organizer to record additional information you find as you learn about each of the following three dynasties: the Sui, Tang, and Song.
You should focus on the topics provided below. Ultimately, you will summarize your findings in an essay in which you will evaluate and assign a letter grade to each dynasty and justify it by providing facts that support your grade. The directions for the essay are below. Sui Dynasty Scholar-­‐Official Gunpowder Tang Dynasty Civil Service System Magnetic compass Song Dynasty Paper currency (money) Porcelain Reunification Wood-­‐block printing Tea Grand Canal (movable type) Urbanization Great Wall Invention of paper Trade and Commerce ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Writing Prompt: Evaluate the Medieval Chinese Dynasties: the Sui, Tang, and Song. Based on their achievements and shortcomings, what letter grade would you assign to each dynasty? Be sure to justify your evaluations with facts and evidence. Requirements: Your essay should have 5 sections/paragraphs: 1. Introduction paragraph: A “hook” to capture your reader’s attention and a summary of your main thesis* 2. Sui Dynasty: An evaluation statement (grade for the dynasty) and at least 3 supporting examples or evidence 3. Tang Dynasty: An evaluation statement (grade for the dynasty) and at least 3 supporting examples or evidence 4. Song Dynasty: An evaluation statement (grade for the dynasty) and at least 3 supporting examples or evidence 5. Concluding paragraph: Restatement of your main thesis* and a conclusion that relates to your introduction Each dynasty section should include an evaluation statement that states your grade for the dynasty and supporting sentences that justify your grade. Include your graphic organizer to the essay. Your project is DUE: ______________________________________ •
•
Advanced Essay fulfills the writing prompt; grades are clear and justified with substantial evidence and facts; writing is grade-­‐level appropriate Note: A thesis statement is your main idea or argument. A sample sentence frame for a thesis statement in this essay is: Based on ________________, the ______ Dynasty is the most ____________ dynasty from Imperial China. Proficient Essay mostly fulfills the writing prompt; grades are clear and simple justifications are present; writing is mostly grade-­‐level appropriate Basic Essay somewhat fulfills the writing prompt; grades are mostly clear but justifications are not aligned with the grades given; writing is somewhat grade-­‐level Below Basic Essay does not fulfill the writing prompt; grades are given but not all are justified with facts; writing is below grade-­‐level