Social Studies 30-2

Writing Workbook

In Social Studies, writing assignments are a way for you to show what you have learned in class. Before any writing assignment, review what you have learned; try to think of at least three important key terms and examples that help to explain the topic. In your writing, you want to explain those ideas in detail – as if you are teaching the person reading it. Often you are asked to give your opinion, and the best way to prove you are right is to use information from the course. And remember, you are given specific tasks in any writing assignment, so you want to be sure to read the instructions carefully, otherwise all the knowledge in the world won’t really help.

There are three assignments you will be working on during the Part A of your diploma exam. But don’t panic – there is enough time for you to get it all done. On each of the assignments there is a suggestion for how long you should be spending on each assignment. But you must complete all three assignments – you can also see at the top of each assignment how much it is worth for this part of your exam.

General Hints⇒Brainstorm!! 5 minutes of brainstorming and organizing ideas can save you loads of time in the long run.

⇒Start each paragraph in a unique way (e.g. don’t start each paragraph in the second assignment by saying “In Source One…” “In Source Two…” “In Source Three”)

o A good introductory sentence will let the reader know the main topic and make them want to read more

⇒Key terms are essential – using the correct terminology helps to strengthen your ideas (e.g. “During the Great Depression the people needed the government to help.” vs. “During the Great Depression fiscal and monetary policies were used to help improve the economy.”)

⇒Begin with your weakest argument and build up to your strongest

⇒When you are changing to a new idea or example, use a transitional word or phrase to tie it to the first (e.g. First, Next, Before, Also, Another example, In addition to, Second, However, For example, In summary, To conclude, Therefore, In conclusion)

⇒All of your ideas should lead back to defending your position (proving your position is right and all others are wrong)

⇒Your final statement should be more general on the main topic – to give the reader a sense of closure

⇒ “In this essay I will…” sounds like a junior high writer

⇒Beware of extremes: never, cannot, always, everybody

⇒Re-read your assignment and count the key terms so you can see how often you are using them

⇒ If you are unsure of anything in a quote, use the dictionary to help you

Response Style 1 – Knowledge QuestionSuggested length: 1-2 pages (value: 20%)

This assignment will give you a variety of key terms and ask you to sort them in order to demonstrate your understanding of a key concept or ideology. You are then expected to explain one or more of those terms in detail.

Step One – understand the task (brainstorming) Read the question first – what is the assignment wanting you to focus on? Is it economics, or politics?

o Hint: many students fail the assignment because they explain the terms without focusing on the main question

Look at all of the key terms and try categorize them (e.g. which are capitalist and which are socialist; or, which relate to democracy and which to dictatorships)

Decide which terms you know the best –can you think of examples for any of the terms, or put the terms on a spectrum?

Step Two – writing your response – (you DO NOT have to follow this format!)

Start with a general statement that shows you understand the key question (in other words explain the question in your own words) - what did you learn about this topic in class? (1-2 sentences)

Explain the first term that DIRECTLY relates to the key questiono Define the term (be as specific as possible in what this term means and how it relates to the key

question)

▪ Do not use the dictionary to define the terms in the first assignment (the reader wants to see your knowledge, not what you could find from another source)

o Give an example of that term (case studies, current events, philosophical ideas)o BONUS: Try to think of other key terms that are not on the sheet that relate to that term and

explain the relationship*at this point, you may want to start another paragraph to explain the second or third key term that you can confidently explain; you should explain three terms. You can also choose to describe why some of the key terms don’t fit – but be certain you can explain that term effectively. If you do an excellent job explaining the first term, but only a satisfactory job explaining other terms, you will lose marks

● Give a summative statement that reviews the key question, the terms you have chosen and a general statement of the overall focus of this response (this provides your reader with a sense of closure)

*you will notice this outline does not include a specific paragraph outline, and there are no introductory or concluding paragraphs required. But you do need opening and concluding statements for effective writing.It is recommended that this response have at least three paragraphs (as many students will choose three terms to explain) but as this response is shorter (and worth less marks), it is up to you how and where you would place your paragraphs. Just remember that breaking different ideas into distinct paragraphs helps the reader to distinguish the points you are trying to make.

What is the main topic of this assignment?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Create two categories to sort these terms

Choose the term you know the best _________________________________________

How does this term fit with the key question? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why is this term important to Social Studies? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What can you tell the reader about this term?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of an example to help explain this term? Explain the example as if the reader is not familiar with it.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BONUS: can you think of what any philosophers would think about this term; or how this term fits on a spectrum?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now try and do the same thing with some more terms

Sorting Essay Rubric

Explanation and Support (   /20) Communication (  /5)Excellent Explanations are deliberate and comprehensive, revealing a perceptive understanding.

Support is specific and accurate.  Errors, if present, do not detract from the response. A thorough understanding of the assigned task is demonstrated.

Writing is fluent and purposefully organized.Vocabulary is precise.Confident control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors, if present, are inconsequential.

Proficient Explanations are appropriate and purposeful, revealing a clear understanding.  Support is relevant and appropriate, but may contain some minor errors. A clear understanding of the assigned task is demonstrated.

Writing is clearly organized.Vocabulary is specificFrequently demonstrates effective control of sentence construction, grammar. Errors do not detract from communication.

Satisfactory

Explanations are general and straightforward, revealing an acceptable understanding. Support is relevant but general, may be incompletely developed, and/or contains errors. An acceptable understanding of the assigned task is demonstrated.

Writing is generally clear and functionally organized.Vocabulary is adequate.Writing demonstrates basic control, errors do not seriously interfere with communication

Limited Explanations are overgeneralized and/or redundant, revealing a confused, though discernable understanding.  Support is superficial, may not always be relevant, and may contain significant errors. An incomplete understanding of the assigned task is demonstrated.

Writing is uneven and incomplete, but discernibly organizedVocabulary is imprecise and/or inappropriateWriting demonstrates a faltering control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Error hinder communication

Insufficient Explanations are tangential or minimal, revealing a negligible understanding.  Support, if present, is incomplete, may be marginally relevant, and contains significant and/or frequent errors. A minimal understanding of the assigned task is demonstrated

Writing is unclear and disorganized.Vocabulary is ineffective and often incorrect.A lack of control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors impede communication

The main purpose of this assignment is:

When doing this assignment I need to focus on:

The different areas I will be evaluated on in this assignment (look at the rubric and write them in

the boxes below)

The letter grade level I hope to

achieve

What terms in the rubric will help me to see if I have achieved this level (you may want to put the terms from

the rubric in your own words)

E PF S    L P

E PF S    L P

Response Style 2 – Compare and Contrast VisualsSuggested length – 3 pages (value: 40%)

Step One – understanding the assignment

❑ Look at the questions – there will be two questions, one relating to the sources and one asking your opinion.

o Both of them will be asking either what should be the role of government, or what should be the role of the individual? This is what you need to stay focused on throughout the assignment.

o Both of these questions are weighted equally, so you need to spend the same amount of time answering them (explaining sources AND explaining your opinion).

o You DO NOT have to relate the sources to each other – only to the key question

Step Two – brainstorming ideas

❑ Break down the sources – look for clues to help you understand why that source was chosen to be part of your writing assignment

o For pictures and cartoons – use tic tac toe method (see next page for example)

❑ Write as many ideas as you can think of that will explain how the sources relate to the questions (try to use ideas from class, like key terms and examples)

❑ Think carefully about your answer to the key question – you don’t want to contradict yourself as you discuss each of the source

Step Three – writing the assignment - *this is only a suggestion for how to approach the assignment

Paragraph One - give your answer to the second question, using the sources to guide you on whether you focus more on economic or political control

- use ideas from class to support your position, including theory, philosophers and examples

For each of the three source analysis paragraphs include: Start off with a statement relating to your opinion - how does the source either support or oppose your position (which has been explored in the first paragraph). Then explain the source:

▪ if it’s a photograph, explain the event and try to think of characters involved that may not be in the image

▪ for a cartoon explain the opinion of the characters as well as the creator of the cartoon (it may be two different opinions)

▪ if it’s a graph – how can the information be used to promote a specific perspective?

▪ if it’s a quote – put it in your own words (and if the author’s name is there, refer to the last name, not

their first name [too personal])

How can you prove your analysis of the source is correct?o by referring to what you seeo by referring to current events/issues and ideas from class, including key terms

*You must discuss all three of the sources – if you only discuss one source the highest mark you can get for the entire assignment is L.

Conclusion - Explain the key question in relation to the sources and provide the opposing views on how to

answer the key question (think of really extreme views) - Give your answer to the question

▪ Review how you used the sources to help support your answer to the question

▪ Use new examples from class to help support your answer to the question

Sample brainstorming:

Assignment Two Worksheet – Question: What do you think the role of government should be?

Cartoon – explain the cartoon by looking at each section. What symbolism is the cartoonist using (explain).

What is the main message of the cartoon (what point is the cartoonist trying to make, NOT the main character in the cartoon)?

How does this relate to what we have learned in class?

What are some important key terms that relate to this cartoon?

What is an example that helps to explain the main idea of the cartoon?

How does this cartoon relate to the key question?

What is your opinion about the message this cartoon is saying about the role of government?

Graph

What is this graph measuring?

How could this graph be used to defend an argument to have more or less government intervention?

*Note: for those working with a photocopy: Canada’s line has bigger dots and starts at the bottom in 1950 – on your diploma this will be in color

How can this graph help you to defend your answer to the key question?

Photograph

Describe what you see in the photograph

Why do you think this photograph was chosen for this assignment (how does it relate to the key question)?

What key terms and examples from class can relate to what is going on in this photograph?

How does this source help to support your answer to the key question?

Homeless people set up a camp to protest in Vancouver

Interpreting Sources Rubric

Interpretation of Sources                                    /10

Defence of Position                 /10

Communication           /5

Excellent Interpretations are insightful, comprehensive, and addresses all sources.  Evidence is specific and accurate, demonstrating a

thorough and perceptive understanding of Social Studies knowledge and assigned task.

Defence is based on one or more convincing, logical arguments.  Evidence is specific and

accurate.

Writing is fluent, purposefully organized.Vocabulary is precise and effective.

Confident control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors if present are

inconsequential.

Proficient Interpretations are specific, accurate.  Evidence is relevant and appropriate, may have minor factual errors, demonstrating a clear understanding of applicable Social Studies knowledge

and the assigned task.

Defence is based on one or more sound arguments.  Evidence is relevant and

appropriate, but may contain some minor factual errors.

Writing is clearly organized.Vocabulary is specific. Frequently

demonstrates effective control of sentence construction, grammar and mechanics. Errors

do no detract from communication

Satisfactory

Interpretations are valid but general, may contain minor misconceptions.  Evidence is general, or incompletely developed, may have minor errors, demonstrating an

acceptable understanding.

Defence of position is based on one or more adequate arguments.  Evidence is relevant but general and/or incompletely developed, and

may contain minor errors in content.

Writing is generally clear, functionally organized. Vocabulary is adequate. Writing

demonstrates basic control of sentence construction, grammar and mechanics; errors do not seriously interfere with communication

Limited Interpretations are over-generalized, with contain substantial misconceptions.  Evidence is superficial, not always relevant,

or contain significant errors, demonstrating a confused, yet discernable understanding.

Defence of position is based on oversimplified assertions and/or questionable logic.  Evidence is lacking and may not always be relevant; may

contain significant errors.

Writing is uneven, awkward, incomplete, but discernibly organized. Vocabulary is imprecise and/or inappropriate. Writing demonstrates a

faltering control of sentence structure, grammar.  Errors hinder communication.

Insufficient Interpretations are mistaken or irrelevant.  Evidence, if present, is incomplete, marginally relevant and frequently

contains significant errors, demonstrating a minimal understanding.

Defence of position taken is difficult to determine and/or little or no attempt is made to defend it.  Evidence, if present, is incomplete,

may be marginally relevant.

Writing is unclear and disorganized. Vocabulary is ineffective and often incorrect.

A lack of control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors impede

communication

The main purpose of this assignment is:

When doing this assignment I need to focus on:

The different areas I will be evaluated on in this assignment (look at the rubric and write them in

the boxes below)

The letter grade level I hope to

achieve

What terms in the rubric will help me to see if I have achieved this level (you may want to put the terms from

the rubric in your own words)

E PF S    L P

E PF S    L P

E PF S    L P

Response Style 3 – Position Paper/Argumentative EssaySuggested length: 3-4 pages (value 40%)

This assignment is going to pose a controversial question and ask for your opinion – remember the point of this assignment is to show what you have learned in class, so use course content to defend your answer.

You are going to be given the opinions of three different people – often there will be a right-wing opinion, a left-wing opinion, and an opinion that is more in the middle. It is important that you don’t just repeat what is

provided to you, but instead use that information to help guide your writing – remember you are wanting to prove what you have learned, not just how well you can summarize what you have been given.

Suggested outline (you DO NOT have to follow this format!)

Introductory paragraph o rephrase the key question

▪ explain the main issue that relates to this question (what is the focus)

o explain the opposing viewpoints on how to answer the question (what would be the two extreme answers)

o give your answer to the question (this is your position)o give three reasons for your answer (try to relate it to Social Studies)

Body Paragraphs 1, 2, 3o Explain the first/second/third opinion

▪ Speaker says: summarize the source’s answer to the question

▪ Course says: give examples/case studies from the course to help explain their opinion

● Bonus: What would be the consequences of that opinion

▪ I say: explain if the speaker agrees or disagrees with your position (intro paragraph) and explain why.

● Give an example that helps to explain why your position is correct (a different example for each paragraph)

Concluding paragrapho Restate the key questiono Explain your position, and use your reasons to help explain why the opposing viewpoints are

incorrect

▪ This is a very important part of your response, so you should spend a substantial amount of time on this section.

o Give a broad, general statement that helps to sum up the writing

*While it has been suggested here that you discuss each of the three opinions you will be provided, this is not required. If you can think of other opinions that help to demonstrate the variety of opinions on the issue, this is fine (in fact, it demonstrates a higher level of thinking – but if you struggle with essay writing, stick to the opinions you have been provided with).

Sample brainstorming

Now it’s your turn:

What is your opinion?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Why would someone disagree with you?__________________________________________________________________________________________

Which of the three speakers supports your opinion? What are some of the ideas you agree with most?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Which of the three speakers do you not agree with? What are some of the ideas you don’t support?__________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some important examples from class that can be used to support your opinion? Give details to show how they support (or oppose) your opinion.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are some good key terms you can use to make your writing more convincing?______________________________________________________________________________ Opinion Rubric

Exploration and Analysis /10

Defence of Position/10

Communication/5

Excellent Student demonstrates a perceptive understanding of various points of view and assigned task. Analysis of key issue is thoughtful / thorough.

Defence is based on one or more convincing, logical arguments.  Evidence is specific and accurate and errors, if present, do not detract.  Student demonstrates a thorough and perceptive understanding of Social Studies knowledge and the assigned task.

Writing is fluent and purposefully organized. Effective stylistic choices contribute to engaging voiceVocabulary is precise and effective.Confident control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors if present are inconsequential.

Proficient Student demonstrates clear understanding of various points of view and assigned task. Analysis of key issue is appropriate, purposeful

Defence is based on one or more sound arguments. Evidence is relevant and appropriate, but may contain some minor factual errors. Student demonstrates a clear understanding of applicable Social Studies knowledge and the assigned task.

Writing is clearly organized. Appropriate stylistic choices may contribute to creation of distinct voice.Vocabulary is specific. Frequently demonstrates effective control of sentence construction, grammar and mechanics. Errors do not detract from communication

Satisfactory

Student demonstrates acceptable understanding of various points of view and assigned task. Analysis of key issue is general / straightforward.

Defence of position is based on one or more adequate arguments.  Evidence is relevant but general and/or incompletely developed, and may contain minor errors in content. Student demonstrates an acceptable understanding of Social Studies knowledge and the assigned task.

Writing is generally clear and functionally organized. Basic stylistic choices may contribute to adequate voice.Vocabulary is adequate. Writing demonstrates basic control of sentence construction, grammar and mechanics; errors do not seriously interfere with communication

Limited Student demonstrates discernible, yet confused understanding or various points of view and assigned task. Analysis of key issue is redundant, but discernible

Defence of position is based on oversimplified assertions and/or questionable logic.  Evidence is superficial and may not always be relevant; may contain significant errors. Student demonstrates a confused, yet discernable understanding of Social Studies knowledge.

Writing is uneven, incomplete, but is discernibly organized. Awkward stylistic choices create an unconvincing and/or inappropriate voice. Vocabulary is imprecise and/or inappropriate. Writing demonstrates a faltering control of sentence structure, grammar.  Errors hinder communication.

Poor Student demonstrates minimal understanding of various points of view and assigned task. Analysis of key issue is minimal and/or tangential

Defence of position taken is difficult to determine and/or little or no attempt is made to defend it.  Evidence, if present, is incomplete, may be marginally relevant. Significant content errors are frequent. Student demonstrates a minimal understanding.

Writing is unclear and disorganized. Ineffective and/or inappropriate stylistic choices create unsuitable voice.Vocabulary is ineffective and often incorrect. A lack of control of sentence structure, grammar and mechanics.  Errors impede communication

The main purpose of this assignment is:

When doing this assignment I need to focus on:

The different areas I will be evaluated on in this assignment (look at the rubric and write them in

the boxes below)

The letter grade level I hope to

achieve

What terms in the rubric will help me to see if I have achieved this level (you may want to put the terms from

the rubric in your own words)

E PF S    L P

E PF S    L P

E PF S    L P

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