Year Group: In-class Year 8
Submission Date: Must be on due date or penalties apply: 10% per day late (Years 7-10); 20% per day late (Years 11-12).
Excuse Policy: Acceptable written excuses needed; refer to assessment booklets on School Intranet.
Authenticity: Students must ensure work is their own and acknowledge assistance. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Subject: History Plato 1 and 2
Relative Weighting: 35%
Date Issued: Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Due Date: Monday, 17 March 2025
Time Due: In lesson time
Key outcomes assessed:
HT4.3: Describes and assesses motives and actions of past individuals/groups.
HT4.5: Identifies meaning, purpose, context of historical sources.
HT4.6: Uses evidence from sources to support narratives.
HT4.8: Organizes information from sources for historical inquiries.
Partnership with families:
☐ Become confident, resilient individuals
Develop deep understanding across disciplines
Think critically, creatively, and embrace lifelong learning
☐ Embody humanitarian values
Understand international perspectives
Appreciate diverse and inclusive Australian democracy
☐ Display environmental responsibility
Develop understanding of the Black Death and the significance concept through essay writing. Develop research, literacy, and handwriting skills.
Research the Black Death and address: "Explain the impact of the Black Death on Medieval Europe."
Complete essay during class; use a provided essay template.
Marks awarded for appropriate template use as per marking criteria.
Given paper for writing on assessment day.
55 mins to write the essay.
Include at least THREE impacts:
Short term: Increase in death toll, worker shortages, peasants gaining wealth, famine.
Long term: End of Feudal System, Peasants’ Revolt, advancements in medicine, increasing town sizes, Reformation.
Structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion.
Word Limit: 1000 words.
Detailed notes during research are recommended.
Two class periods for task preparation: one for research and one for revising essay-writing skills.
Follow essay structure to support arguments with logical explanations.
Explain: Relate causes and effects; provide reasons.
Comprehensively address impact with sustained arguments.
Use extensive historical knowledge and supporting evidence.
Structured, coherent response with relevant historical terms.
Proper use of essay template with supporting dot points.
21-25: Clear explanation with comprehensive understanding.
16-20: Coherent argument with solid understanding.
11-15: Relevant response with some understanding.
6-10: Generalized narrative with minimal understanding.
1-5: Makes general statements with limited knowledge.
Research Thoroughly:
Utilize books, online databases, and scholarly articles to gather information about the Black Death. Focus on both short-term and long-term impacts.
Organize Notes:
Create detailed notes during your research. Organize these notes according to the essay structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion).
Essay Template Practice:
Familiarize yourself with the provided essay template. Practice completing it with your notes to ensure you adhere to the marking criteria.
Understand Directive Terms:
Review the directive terms, especially "Explain". Be prepared to relate causes and effects in your writing.
Use Mind Maps:
Create mind maps to visually organize the key impacts of the Black Death. This technique can help you remember and connect ideas more effectively.
Peer Discussions:
Discuss your findings with classmates. Engaging in conversations can provide you with new insights and reinforce your understanding.
Practice Writing:
During the second class period for revision, practice writing timed essays. Focus on coherently structuring your arguments within 55 minutes.
Review Marking Criteria:
Regularly revisit the marking criteria to ensure that your essay meets the expectations for each of the score ranges.
Seek Feedback:
If possible, ask a teacher or a classmate to review your essay drafts and provide constructive feedback.
Stay Informed:
Keep up with discussions in class and any additional resources or readings suggested by your teacher.
Research Thoroughly:
Utilize books, online databases, and scholarly articles to gather information about the Black Death. Focus on both short-term and long-term impacts.
Organize Notes:
Create detailed notes during your research. Organize these notes according to the essay structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion).
Essay Template Practice:
Familiarize yourself with the provided essay template. Practice completing it with your notes to ensure you adhere to the marking criteria.
Understand Directive Terms:
Review the directive terms, especially "Explain". Be prepared to relate causes and effects in your writing.
Use Mind Maps:
Create mind maps to visually organize the key impacts of the Black Death. This technique can help you remember and connect ideas more effectively.
Peer Discussions:
Discuss your findings with classmates. Engaging in conversations can provide you with new insights and reinforce your understanding.
Practice Writing:
During the second class period for revision, practice writing timed essays. Focus on coherently structuring your arguments within 55 minutes.
Review Marking Criteria:
Regularly revisit the marking criteria to ensure that your essay meets the expectations for each of the score ranges.
Seek Feedback:
If possible, ask a teacher or a classmate to review your essay drafts and provide constructive feedback.
Stay Informed:
Keep up with discussions in class and any additional resources or readings suggested by your teacher.