Here, you will find writing prompts throughout the year. Some writing assignments may use the T.R.E.E.S. format, outlined below. We will begin the writing in class together, and you will finish (in Study Hall, Flex, or Org. Skills) by the end of the week that they are assigned.

T=Topic sentence   R=Reason   E=Evidence   E=Explanation   S=Sentence to conclude

Expectations

Responses should:

- Follow the T.R.E.E.S. format, if required

- Include the appropriate number of examples, as stated in the prompt, your organizer, and example

- Directly respond to the prompt, and remain on topic

- Be written in your own words

- Contain accurate information from class readings, discussions and videos

- Be edited carefully

#1 (September/October)

An important question we’ll explore all year: “How does where you live affect how you live?” 

Think about land/water forms you learned, and how geography is part of our everyday lives. 

Prompt: Describe a physical feature that people might like to live near, and why. Describe a physical feature people might avoid living near, and why. 

#2 (November)

Review the Ice Man information you learned in class. 

Prompt:  Write a descriptive diary entry, pretending you are this Neolithic (NEW STONE AGE) man, Ötzi, found in the Alps by German hikers in 1991. Describe what you were doing and how you were feeling (physically and mentally) on the day you became trapped on the mountain...

#3 (January)

Prompt: In thinking about the many inventions of the Mesopotamians, describe two of their achievements, and how they contribute to modern-day society (this will be in the form of a creative advertisement)!

#4 (March)

Life in the Kingdom of Ghana or Empire of Mali

Directions: Using information from the readings The Kingdom of Ghana and The Empire of Mali, you will represent what life was like during this time period in either Ghana or Mali. 

Task: Create a detailed comic strip of a day in the life of the Kingdom of Ghana or the Empire of Mali.

Please include the majority (or all, if you can) of the following:

• Government: Who controlled the kingdom? 

• Griots: What did they do, and why were they so important?

• The gold and salt trade: How did the system work?

• Taxes: Who paid taxes, and how? 

• Resources: What resources did Ghana or Mali have? 

• Vocabulary words: Use at least five!

Vocab:

caravan Ghana Mali

griot Islam merchant

mosque proverb kingdom

silent barter trade route natural resources

pilgrimage traditional African religion