Argumentative Writing Assessment

Writing Prompt:

Topic: World War I

Using the documents "The Fourteen Points" and "The Treaty of Versailles," how do the authors develop their positions on establishing a lasting peace after World War I? Use two details from each document to support your claim.

Directions:

Write at least two paragraphs in response to the prompt above. Please see reminders below about what your response should include.

1. Identify Perspectives - Present claims about both documents.
2. Use Evidence - Support each claim with two specific examples from the provided documents and your background knowledge of World War I.
3. Explanation - Clearly explain how each piece of evidence supports your claim.
4. Use Transitions - Include transitional words to ensure your writing flows smoothly.

Purpose:

Argumentative writing is a type of writing that explains a claim in a clear, straightforward way. In Social Studies, an argumentative essay focuses on explaining a point of view, or claim, in historical events, important ideas, or social issues using facts, details, and examples. The goal is to help the audience understand the topic with opinions or persuasive language by using evidence.

In an argumentative essay, a claim is a sentence that explains the main idea or purpose of the essay. It serves as a roadmap, telling the audience what to expect in the essay by summarizing the perspective (or point of view) the writer will explain or explore. Since argumentative essays are focused on picking a side, the claim statement is usually their opinion based on facts.

Document 1: Excerpt from President Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points

January 8, 1919

Question

21-10-2023
History

High School

Argumentative Writing Assessment

Writing Prompt:

Topic: World War I

Using the documents "The Fourteen Points" and "The Treaty of Versailles," how do the authors develop their positions on establishing a lasting peace after World War I? Use two details from each document to support your claim.

Directions:

Write at least two paragraphs in response to the prompt above. Please see reminders below about what your response should include.

1. Identify Perspectives - Present claims about both documents.
2. Use Evidence - Support each claim with two specific examples from the provided documents and your background knowledge of World War I.
3. Explanation - Clearly explain how each piece of evidence supports your claim.
4. Use Transitions - Include transitional words to ensure your writing flows smoothly.

Purpose:

Argumentative writing is a type of writing that explains a claim in a clear, straightforward way. In Social Studies, an argumentative essay focuses on explaining a point of view, or claim, in historical events, important ideas, or social issues using facts, details, and examples. The goal is to help the audience understand the topic with opinions or persuasive language by using evidence.

In an argumentative essay, a claim is a sentence that explains the main idea or purpose of the essay. It serves as a roadmap, telling the audience what to expect in the essay by summarizing the perspective (or point of view) the writer will explain or explore. Since argumentative essays are focused on picking a side, the claim statement is usually their opinion based on facts.

Document 1: Excerpt from President Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points

January 8, 1919

Answer :

Final answer:

The Fourteen Points promote open diplomacy and self-determination for lasting peace, while the Treaty of Versailles imposes punitive measures on Germany that could lead to future conflict. Wilson's approach emphasizes cooperation, whereas Versailles focuses on retribution. Thus, the contrasting views reflect different strategies for peace after World War I.

Explanation:

Claim about the Fourteen Points

President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points outlines a vision for establishing a lasting peace after World War I. One major claim in the document asserts that transparent diplomacy should replace secret treaties. This point is crucial because it promotes trust among nations, suggesting that open negotiations lead to mutual understanding and better international relations. Furthermore, Wilson emphasizes the importance of self-determination for all nations, indicating that people should have the right to govern themselves. By advocating for this principle, he seeks to prevent conflicts arising from colonial rule and national oppression, thus fostering long-term peace.

Claim about the Treaty of Versailles

In contrast, the Treaty of Versailles emphasizes punitive measures against Germany. One significant detail is the imposition of heavy reparations on Germany, which aimed to compensate the Allies for war damages. However, this could lead to resentment and economic hardship, potentially sowing the seeds for future conflicts. Additionally, the treaty's territorial losses for Germany, such as the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to France, aim to weaken the nation militarily and economically. This harsh treatment overlooks the need for reconciliation and instead may create lingering animosity, ultimately undermining the goal of a sustainable peace.

Conclusion

In summary, while Wilson's Fourteen Points advocate for collaboration and self-determination to achieve lasting peace, the Treaty of Versailles takes a more retributive approach, potentially destabilizing Europe in the years to come.

Learn more about World War I peace negotiations here:

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