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Due Date: 11:59 p.m. Friday of Unit 8
Points: 100
Overview:
Turning points are significant events in history that become catalysts for change. These
changes, for example, can inspire legislation and war, cause victory or defeat, and lead
to the evolution of national ideologies. Some turning points are more obvious than
others and are referenced often in the study of history, while others may not be. It is our
continued analysis of historical events that determine these significant moments and
how they have helped shape the culture of the United States. For your final
assessment, you will be identifying, describing, and analyzing a major turning point in
U.S. history between the years 1400 and 1865.
Instructions:
In your paper, you must include the following:
• Why you believe the turning point is in fact a significant moment in U.S. History.
• Describe the causes and events that led to the turning point.
• Analyze how the turning point changed the course of history in the United States.
• Evaluate the impact of the turning point on today’s society.
Requirements:
• Well-organized essay including a thesis statement, multiple body paragraphs, and a
conclusion beyond a component of the paper.
• 3-5 pages (not including title page and reference page)
• Use of 5 or more sources.
• Use of 2 primary source documents.
• APA citations used throughout paper and a completed APA reference list.
Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write
and again after you write.
HIS201 – United States History I
Turning Point Research Paper
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CRITERIA Deficient Needs
Improvement Proficient
0-1 points 2-3 points 4-5 points
Thesis Statement Was not approved
by instructor.
Was approved by
instructor with
revisions; revisions
were not completed
or still needs
additional
development.
Approved by
instructor; revisions
(if necessary) are
sufficient.
0-10 points 11-15 points 16-20 points
Why do you
believe the
turning point is in
fact a significant
moment in U.S.
history?
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
question/topic;
answers questions
but lacks specific,
credible and
relevant examples.
Demonstrates
understanding of
question/topic;
minimally supported
with specific,
credible and relevant
examples.
Demonstrates
complete and
thorough
understanding of
the question/topic;
supported with a
broad spectrum of
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Describe the
causes and
events that led to
the turning point.
Demonstrates
minimal
understanding of
the cause and
effects of the
turning point; lacks
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Demonstrates
understanding of the
cause and effects of
the turning point;
minimally supported
with specific,
credible and relevant
examples.
Demonstrates
complete and
thorough
understanding of
the cause and
effects of the
turning point;
supported with a
braod spectrum of
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Analyze how the
turning point
changed the
course of history
in the United
States
Show minimal
analysis; answer
includes more of a
summary then an
analysis; lacks
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Analysis evident with
stronger focus on
summary over
thought; minimally
supported with
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Analysis is
thoughtful and
persuasive;
supported with a
broad spectrum of
specific, credible
and relevant
examples.
Evaluate the
impact of the
turning point on
today’s society
Impact of turning
point on today’s
society is missing
or shows minimal
Impact of turning
point on today’s
society is relevant;
shows connection
Impact of turning
point on today’s
society is
presented in a
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
connection; lacks
specific, credible,
and relevant
examples.
and analysis;
minimally supported
with specific,
credible and relevant
examples.
thoughtful,
analytical and
persuasive
manner; supported
with a broad
spectrum of
specifiv, credible
and relevant
examples.
0-5 points 6-10 points 11-15 points
Organization,
Grammar,
Spelling, and
Sources
Lacks organization,
clarity, polish;
minimal proficiency
in grammar and
spelling; 0-2
appropriate
references cited;
reference page
and in-text citations
include many
errors or are rarely
used throughout
paper.
Demonstrates
organization, logic
and clarity.
Demonstrates
proficiency in
grammar and
spelling; 3-4
appropriate
references cited;
reference page and
in-text citations may
include errors;
missing primary
source documents.
Organized, logical
and clearly
articulated;
polished,
demonstrates a
high level of
proficiency in
grammar and
spelling. Five or
more appropriate
references cited;
proper reference
page included;
includes 2 primary
source documents.
