Sample Social Studies Writing Tasks from Pearson Texts

Grade 6 America: History of Our Nation

Chapter 21 Section 2 Supporting the War Effort
Personal freedoms sometimes have to be given up in times of war.
In an organized paragraph, agree or disagree with the statement above. Use
information from the textbook or the Alabama Virtual Library to support your position.
Be sure to include at least 3 claims with supporting evidence and one counterclaim.
Grade 7 myWorld Geography
From Pearson Lesson Plan for Europe in Modern Times: A New Way of Thinking
The Crusades started two major trends. Desire for Asian goods stimulated trade, and
contact with other cultures brought new knowledge to Europe. List products from Asia
that became popular and new knowledge that was gained.
Assume the role of a European trader or a knight of the Crusades who is returning to
Europe. Describe at least 3 products from Asia and at least one piece of new
knowledge that you have gained on your travels. How do you think people in your
hometown will respond to these new products and ideas?
Grade 8 myWorld History
Chapter 10 Section 2 Greek Society and Economy
Using information from Chapter 10 Section 2, answer this question in an organized
paragraph. What effect did colonization have on mainland Greece? Be sure to include
details from the text in your answer.
Chapter 12 Section 1 The Rise of the Roman Republic
Compose a paragraph to answer this question. How was a Roman legion different from
a Greek phalanx? Then, choose which one of these was the most effective and explain
why. Use details from the text to support your answer.
9
th
Grade World History
Chapter 10 Section 2
What were the causes and effects of a strong German nation after unification in 1871?
Write a short essay on this topic. Use information and details from the text to support
your answer. Be sure to cite the text that you used for your answers.

10
th
Grade United States History
Chapter 4 The American Revolution
Write an organized paragraph that answers the following question. Why did the
colonists think it unfair for the British Parliament to tax the American colonies? Use at
least 3 reasons and support them with evidence from Chapter 4 to respond to this
question.
11
th
Grade United States History Reconstruction to Present
Chapter 12 Section 2 Americans Face Hard Times
Using information from Section 2, pretend you are either an Okie who has just arrived
in California or a person from the South who has arrived in a Northern city, write a
letter to a friend back home and describe the new place you live.
12
th
Grade American Government
Chapter 3 Section 2 Formal Amendment
Using the information in Section 2, explain the process for changing the Constitution
by formal amendment. Write your answer in an organized essay. Be sure to include
evidence from the text to support your response.
12
th
Grade Economics
Chapter 2 Economic Systems
In an organized essay, in the introduction, define the kinds of economic systems (free
market, centrally planned, and mixed). Then, write a paragraph about each kind of
economic system with examples of specific countries. In the conclusion, take a stand
on which type of economy is best for consumers. Please include at least 2 reasons for
your choice and provide evidence to support your reasons. You may use information
from Chapter 2 of the text and the Alabama Virtual Library.