Writing in History
Teaching writing in a social science classroom is about honing students’ ability to make reasoned, evidence-based arguments on the page. Browse our collection of original writing prompts, teaching tools, and activities for all the help you’ll need to support their achievements.
Writing Activities
Claim and Focus Warm-Up
In this Warm-Up activity, you’ll look closely at the Claim and Focus row of the WHP Writing Rubric to fine tune your writing skills.
Claim and Focus Revision
Now that you’ve written, it’s time to revise! This activity will help you identify areas to improve your writing based on the Claim and Focus row of the WHP Writing Rubric.
Analysis and Evidence Warm-Up
In this Warm-Up activity, you’ll look closely at the Analysis and Evidence row of the WHP Writing Rubric to practice supporting your thesis/ major claim.
Analysis and Evidence Revision
Now that you’ve written, it’s time to revise! This activity will help you identify areas to improve your writing based on the Analysis and Evidence row of the WHP Writing Rubric.
Organization Warm-Up
In this Warm-Up activity, you’ll look closely at the Organization row of the WHP Writing Rubric to practice creating a clear, well-structured essay.
Organization Revision
Now that you’ve written, it’s time to revise! This activity will help you identify areas to improve your writing based on the Organization row of the WHP Writing Rubric.
Big History Writing Prompts
Investigation – Changing Minds
Investigation – Evolving Theories
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Investigation – The Modern Revolution
World History Writing Prompts
DBQ – The Columbian Exchange
In this DBQ, you’ll dig into a variety of sources and evaluate the extent to which the Columbian Exchange transformed the Americas from c. 1500 to 1750 CE.
DBQ – Revolutions of the Long Nineteenth Century
DBQ – Globalization
Globalization has shaped the world around us in numerous ways. What has that impact looked like? Evaluate the extent to which globalization since the Second World War has benefited everyone.
World History AP Writing Prompts
DBQ – State Organizations, c. 1200-1450 CE
Analyze sources and develop an argument that evaluates the similarities and differences in the ways states were organized in different parts of the world from c. 1200 to 1450 CE.
DBQ – Networks of Exchange, c. 1200-1450 CE
In this DBQ, you'll develop an argument that analyzes the similarities and differences between various networks of exchange from c. 1200 to 1450 CE.
DBQ – Economic Developments, c. 1200-1450 CE
Using the sources, develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which economic developments that occurred between 1450 and 1750 impacted social structures over time.
Teaching This Skill
Writing Guide
Strategies for instructing and supporting both formal and informal writing.
Informal Writing Routines
Quick strategies for incorporating informal writing into everyday routines.
Writing Rubric
Provide detailed feedback to help students target specific areas for growth.