The Constructed Response

 

The Because, But, So writing skill requires students to think analytically. Students are given a stem (the beginning of the sentence) and are then asked to turn it into three separate complex sentences, using each conjuction in turn.

 

Stem 1- Monroe is considered to be a civilization (August 22, 2019)

 

A. Monroe is considered to be a civilization because it has an economy and trade.

B. Monroe is considered to be a civilization, but it's small population without a lot of high-paying jobs.

C. Monroe is considered to be a civilization, so it is able to thrive economically despite its small population.

 

Stem 2- The Aztecs were considered to be a civilization (August 29, 2019)

 

A. The Aztecs were considered to be a civilization because they had planned infrastructure such as causeways and waterways.

B. The Aztecs were considered to be a civilization, but they were challenged with being stuck on an island and it was difficult for them to trade.

C. The Aztecs were considered to be a cvilization, so use of their geographic resources allowed them to thrive.

 

 

Stem 3- The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was a great innovation (September 6, 2019)

 

A. The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was a great innovation because they made chinampas which resulted in surplus food.

B. The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was a great innovation, but living on an island made it difficult to get supplies from the mainland.

C. The Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was a great innovation, so their economy flourished as a result of their large and complex civilization.

 

Stem 4- The Inca Empire was very large and complex (September 13, 2019)

 

A. The Inca Empire was very large and complex because it controlled a vast territory.

B. The Inca Empire was very large and complex, but it needed a way to communicate and trade with people within its corners.

C. The Inca Empire was very large and complex, so the construction of roads allowed their economy and society to flourish.

 

 

Stem 5- Artifacts from indigenous cultures are useful to modern societies (September 20, 2019)

 

A. Artifacts from indigenous cultures are useful to modern societies because they provide an authentic perspective of the history of the cultures.

B. Artifacts from indigenous cultures are useful to modern societies, but many are difficult to interpret in modern context.

C. Artifacts from indigenous cultures are useful to modern societies, so it is important that students carefully analyze them in order to get an understanding of life in ancient times.

 

 

Stem 6- Using sources to research is important for students (September 26, 2019)

 

A. Using sources to research is important for students because it helps them find credible information about their subject.

B. Using sources to research is important for students, but sometimes websites are fake and don't always give accurate information.

C. Using sources to research is important for students, so it is important that students use the correct primary and secondary documents that support their subject.