Athens vs. Sparta Primary Resource Writing Assessment

Objective:
Students will write an introduction and three complete body paragraphs using primary resources to compare Athens and Sparta.

Standards:
  • Make a valid argumentative claim about an enduring theme (Hist 6C)
  • Provide historical evidence to support the claim (Hist 6A)
  • Explain why the idea expressed in the claim is an enduring theme or pattern (Hist 6D)

A Well Rounded Argument...

Hook: Generates interest.

Body: Supports Idea with specific evidence.

Conclusion: Answers the essential question with a strong final thought.

Part 1: Modeling and Review

Let's Practice:
Directions: Using the chart you created for the River Valley Civilization DBQ, pick one paragraph category and write out a paragraph using the model above.
River Valley DBQ:  Discuss and describe two contributions from each of the River Valley Civilizations that influenced future civilizations.
1. With a partner review each other's writing and help them edit their paragraph. Be sure the following are included.
  • Clear topic sentence defining your idea

  • Set up for your quote.
 
  • Appropriate choice and use of quotes with citations.
 
  • Justification of Quote.
 
  • Closing paragraph sentence referring back to the essential question.
2. Post your paragraph to the Padlet using the button below.

Part 2: Primary Sources

Athens vs. Sparta Essential Question:
Explain the most important differences between Athens and Sparta in their forms of government, economic structure and their cultural values.
Directions: Before you begin organizing and charting your evidence it is important to understand the origin of your sources and what side of your claim that evidence will support. Take a moment to review the primary sources given. Annotate each document and label it as either Athens or Sparta. Highlight any information that potentially could be used to A.T.D.Q.

Part 3: Organizing Your Evidence
Directions: Create a Chart to organize your body paragraphs. Use the Template below as a model.

Athens vs. Sparta Chart

Topic Sentence Draft:
Topic Category 1
Quote
Justification
Citation
Athens
Athens
Sparta
Sparta
Closing Sentence Draft:
Topic Sentence Draft:
Topic Category 2
Quote
Justification
Citation
Athens
Athens
Sparta
Sparta
Closing Sentence Draft:
Topic Sentence Draft:
Topic Category
Quote
Justification
Citation
Athens
Athens
Sparta
Sparta
Closing Sentence Draft:

Part 4: The Introduction
Introduction
Purpose
Hook:
Engage the reader!
  • Quote
  • Connecting Fact
  • Personal Anecdote (Story)
Background Information:
Brief and general background information about the subject of your writing.
Thesis:
It is not a mere statement of fact. Rather, it is an idea, a claim, or an interpretation, one that others may dispute. Your job as a writer is to persuade the reader―through the careful use of examples and thoughtful analysis―that your argument is a valid one.
Here are some ideas about how to create an opening hook for your introduction.

Part 5: Lets Put it all Together!
Directions: In a structured essay, answer the question above using quotes from the provided primary sources to support your claims. You must use at least 6 documents total which clearly contrast Athens and Sparta with regard to their government, economy and culture. You should include the following components in your essay:

I. An introduction that has a hook, sets the stage with historical background to the content and has a clear thesis statement that addresses the prompt.

II.-IV. A body paragraph that identifies the most significant difference between Athens and Sparta and supports it with clearly explained evidence. It is not enough to simply insert a document as evidence, you must interpret and explain it. You should have clear:       
a. Define- your idea.  
b. Evidence- facts and primary source quotes          
c. Justify- Explains how evidence supports the claim

V. A conclusion that restates the thesis statement and comments on the significance of the topic. You should include some commentary that explain the “So what?” of the topic.

The Rubric:
Score
4
3
2
Make a valid argumentative claim about an enduring theme (Hist 6C)
Claim is original, valid, and supportable. Level of specificity is high. ​
Claim is valid and supportable. Level of specificity is appropriate.
Claim may be somewhat general or over-broad- or 
Provide historical evidence to support the claim (Hist 6A)
More than two appropriate examples are used to support the claim. 
​Evidence is detailed and specific, showing strong knowledge of the examples
Two appropriate examples are used to support the claim.
Evidence includes sufficient detail to indicate knowledge of the examples.
Fewer than two examples are used to support the claim, or examples may not “fit” the claim..
Evidence may lack specificity, or may not support the claim well.
Explain why the idea expressed in the claim is an enduring theme or pattern (Hist 6D)
Provides an insightful and compelling explanation as to why the claim is persistent, present, and/ or repeated across multiple societies. 
It is obvious why knowledge of the claim is important and relevant.
Provides a solid explanation as to why the theme is persistent, present, and/ or repeated across multiple societies 
It is clear why knowledge of the claim matters
Some explanation is attempted, though it may be unconvincing, superficial or unreasonable
There is some attempt to justify why the knowledge is important, but it may not be very convincing.