ESSAY WORKSHEET- DEVELOPING THE THESIS -

The Question Compare the diffusion and influence of religion in the following regions: South Asia East Asia

Breakdown of Question Major components? ○ Diffusion and influence of religion in chosen regions Skills required? ○ Analyze: Compare, Contrast, Describe

Thesis Statement Development  This is where we actually develop the “Three Sentence” Thesis Statement

Take a Position Respective religions allowed for political/social unification These governments were challenged/substantiated by religious affiliation These religions spread because of trade, or was pushed from the region due to competition from another faith, or threatened the existing government and was made illegal

Factors to Develop Development of religion Spread of religion Political control established because of the religion

Sentence 1- Introductory Statement (Restate the Question) As religions began to become more complex and solidify in Southern and Eastern Asia, they also diffused across the continent causing governments and societies to evolve.

Sentence 2- Position Statement (The Although Statement) Although Buddhism appealed to the lower classes in both India and China, the reaction of the governing bodies and their use of cultural constructs to ensure the elite remained in control was different.

Sentence 3- The How or Why Sentence (The Explanatory Sentence) In India, the upper classes utilized the Varna system and incorporated deities to ensure the caste system and balance of power remained the same, while China softened its already existing ethical codes in Confucianism.

Comparative Rubric: BASIC CORE (Shows competence) EXPANDED CORE (Shows excellence) Points 1)Has an acceptable thesis. Addresses comparisons of the issues and themes specified in the prompt. 1 Expands beyond the basic core of 1 to 7 points. A student MUST earn seven points in the basic core area BEFORE earning points from the expanded core area below. Has a clear, analytical and comprehensive thesis. Addresses all parts of the question (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content. Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis. Shows the ability to relate comparisons to larger global context. Shows similarities and differences amongst groups. Makes direct comparisons consistently between or among societies )Addresses all parts of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. Addresses most parts of the question. For example, deals with similarities but not differences. 2 (1) 1)Substantiates the thesis with appropriate evidence. Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence. 2 (1) 1)Makes at least two relevant, direct comparisons between or among societies. 1 1)Analyzes at least two reasons for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison. 1 SUBTOTAL7 2 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 9 GRADES: 9=97, 8=92, 7=87, 6=82, 5=77, 4=72, 3=67, 2=62, 1=57, 0=50