Western Civilization I

Roman Empire Essay

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below, and a conclusion.

You do not need more than your syllabus and textbook. Internet and other literary sources are welcome, but not required. Your paper must

be at least 4 pages typed, double-spaced, 1” margins around.

Thesis Statement: stating the main point of the paper, this is your first sentence of the introduction.

Introduction: Introduce your topic.
• Your first sentence is the thesis statement (above)
• Interpret, “The same conditions always produce the same results.”
• Briefly explain what you will discuss in your paper (see body)
• Conclude with a sentence similar to your thesis statement.

Body: be sure to answer each of these tasks. You should have one paragraph for each.

• Explain how Rome rose to power and order in Italy.
• Describe the prosperity and achievements of the Romans.
• Explain how the Romans declined and fell from greatness.

Conclusion: Wrap-up your topic.
• thesis statement (above)
• Briefly explain the lessons of the Romans for America today. Also, briefly explain why this knowledge is important for anyone

living in America today.
• Explain how, “The same conditions always produce the same results.” connects to the rise, achievement, and fall of Rome and for

civilizations today.
• Conclude with a sentence similar to your thesis statement.

THEMATIC ESSAY
GRADING RUBRIC

Score of ‘A’:
•Shows a thorough understanding of the themes
•Addresses all aspects of the tasks found in the body paragraphs
•Shows an ability to analyze, evaluate, compare, and/or contrast issues and events
•Richly supports essay with relevant facts, examples, and details
•Is a well-developed essay, consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
•Introduces the theme or problem by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of the
task and concludes with a summation of the theme or problem

Score of ‘B’:
•Shows a good understanding of the themes
•Addresses all aspects of the tasks found in the body paragraphs
•Shows an ability to analyze, evaluate, compare, and/or contrast issues and events
•Includes relevant facts, examples, and details, but may not support all aspects of the task evenly
•Is a well-developed essay, demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
•Introduces the themes by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of the
task and concludes with a summation of the theme or problem

Score of ‘C’:
•Shows a satisfactory understanding of the themes
•Addresses most aspects of the tasks or addresses all aspects in a limited way
•Shows an ability to analyze or evaluate issues and events, but not in any depth
•Includes some facts, examples, and details
•Is a satisfactorily developed essay, demonstrating a general plan of organization
•Introduces the themes by repeating the task and concludes by repeating the theme or problem

Score of ‘D’:
•Shows limited understanding of the themes
•Attempts to address the tasks found in the body paragraphs
•Develops a faulty analysis or evaluation of issues and events
•Includes few facts, examples, and details, and may include information that contains inaccuracies
•Is a poorly organized essay lacking focus
•Fails to introduce or summarize the themes

Score of ‘F’:
•Shows limited understanding of the themes
•Lacks an analysis or evaluation of the issues and events
•Includes little or no accurate or relevant facts, examples, or details
•Attempts to complete the task, but demonstrates a major weakness in organization
•Fails to introduce or summarize the themes
* Fails to address the themes, is illegible, or is a blank paper

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