Year 8 Medieval Europe Essay

Year 8 History

Medieval Europe Essay Task

Your task is to choose one of the topics below and write a 500 word essay on that topic.  The assessment criteria are printed on the back of this sheet.  These are given so that you know what is required of you in this assignment.  Use them to help you write your essay.

 1). “The decline of feudalism was a benefit to the peasants in medieval societies.”
         How true is this statement?

If you’ve chosen this topic:

·         What was life like for peasants under the feudal system?

·         How did their lives change when feudalism declined?

·         Weigh up those changes you think were positive and those you think were negative

·         Decide whether you think the effects were mainly negative with a few positives, or mainly positive with a few negatives

·         Try to think about what answer the evidence supports

·         Is the statement true to a large extent? A small extent? Why?

 2). “The Black Death was the leading cause of the decline of feudalism.”
       How true is this statement?

If you’ve chosen this topic:

·         Don’t  just tell me about the Black Death

·         Think about the many different causes of the decline of feudalism

·         Where does the Black Death fit with the other causes – was it the LEADING cause, or was it just one of many different causes? What were some of the other causes?

·         Which of these best suits your thoughts:

o   There were lots of different causes but the Black Death was the main one, and this is why…

o   The Black Death was just one of many different causes for the decline of feudalism, and here is why…

·         Is the statement true to a large extent? A small extent? Why?

 3). “It was the threat of torture that kept people in line in the medieval world.”
       How true is this statement?

If you’ve chosen this topic:

·         Refer to section 2.2 of the textbook as a starting point

·         Decide how societies were controlled in medieval times

·         Where does the threat of torture lie? Was it the reason people behaved themselves, or were there other reasons? What role did the threat of torture play?

·         Remember, this one is not a question about torture, so don’t waste time looking at gruesome pictures

·         Is the statement true to a large extent? A small extent? Why?

Year 8 History

Medieval Europe Essay Task: Assessment Criteria

Your essay will be marked using the following criteria:

1.      Understanding of the demands of the question

The question should be addressed in a clearly structured and focused way. The question should be addressed throughout the essay.

2.      Knowledge of the way Medieval Europe was run  

Your answer should demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the history of the region through effective use of historical knowledge.  You need to show that you understand how society was governed and how the people lived in Medieval Europe.

3.      Use of evidence to support an argument

The knowledge you demonstrate for criterion 2 should be presented in support of your argument regarding the quote in the question. Your argument(s) should be clear, coherent, and well backed up with evidence from the period being studied.

4.      Spelling/Grammar/Punctuation

You should always do your best in this area: correct spelling, especially of key terms; correct grammar; full sentences; paragraphs (TEEL: Topic, Evidence, Explanation, Link).

5.      Bibliography

Your bibliography must be accurately presented and include at least 3 sources.  Remember there is a bibliography writing guide on the State Library of Victoria’s website.  

http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/essay-writing-skills/bibliographies/write-your-bibliography