Chapter 6 - Ancient India Assessment Performance Task

Writing Situation

Your class has been studying leaders whose choices shaped history. Your teacher is creating an online exhibit titled “Leaders Who Changed Their World.” The exhibit will include student essays that take a position on how famous rulers should be remembered.

After reading three sources about Emperor Ashoka, your class has discussed whether he should be remembered more as a conqueror or as a peacemaker. You will write an argumentative essay for this exhibit that presents your position and supports it with evidence from all three sources.

Directions for Writing

Write several paragraphs to state your argument.

Introduce your claim clearly and organize your ideas logically.

Use relevant evidence and examples from all three sources; paraphrase rather than copy.

Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain why your argument is stronger.

Connect your ideas with appropriate transitions.

Conclude with a statement that reinforces your position.

You may look back at your notes and the sources as you write.