Purpose Create a presentation that effectively responds to a prompt and demonstrates the historical
reasoning process of comparison.
Summary
In this assignment, you will create a multimedia presentation to respond to a prompt. This
assignment will help you practice your comparative analysis skills. You will review important
information from unit 4 of AP® World History: Modern, and you will practice important skills that will
help you on the AP exam.
Prompt
From 1500 to 1750, European states incorporated the Americas into their desire for vast empires that
could provide great wealth to the mother country.
Develop an argument that evaluates both similarities and differences in the significance of the trade of
silver and the significance of the trade of furs as facets of the European creation of worldwide, maritime
empires from 1500 to 1750.
Assignment Instructions
Step 1: Review your prompt carefully.
a) Consider the requirements you must meet.
b) Think about the choices you have in your response.
c) Review what you have learned about the historical reasoning process of comparison.
Step 2: Consider the required elements of a multimedia presentation.
a) Use presentation or video-editing software to create your presentation on the
computer.
b) Include digital media, such as images, video, or audio.
c) Use text to convey main ideas, when appropriate.
d) Address all parts of the question in your presentation.
e) Include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Student Guide (continued)
f) Develop a clear thesis to guide your presentation.
g) Present supporting evidence while conveying your perspective clearly.
h) List the resources that you used, including websites, textbooks, and other materials.
Step 3: Think about these steps for creating a successful presentation.
a) Plan: Sketch your presentation before you begin. Establish the order in which you will
present your information and the media you are going to include.
b) Draft: Create a rough draft of your presentation.
c) Revise: Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements.
Step 4: Evaluate your presentation using this checklist. When you can answer “yes” to all of the
questions, you are ready to submit your presentation.
Yes No Evaluation Question
Did you use presentation or video-editing software to create your presentation on
the computer?
Does your presentation include a thesis that is supported by historical evidence?
Does your presentation clearly address similarities and differences in the
significance of the trade of silver and the trade of furs?
Does your presentation address all parts of the question given to you in the
prompt?
Does your presentation have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion?
Does your presentation include digital media, such as images, video, or audio?
Does your presentation use text to convey main ideas, when appropriate?
Does your presentation demonstrate your perspective and findings in a clear and
straightforward way?
Does your presentation use correct punctuation and grammar?
Is your presentation neat, easy to follow, and visually appealing?
Student Guide (continued)
Step 5: Revise and submit your presentation.
a) If you were unable to answer “yes” to all of the questions on the checklist, revise and
save your presentation before submitting it.
b) When you have completed your presentation, return to the virtual classroom and use
the “Browse for file” option to locate and submit your assignment. Ask your teacher for
assistance if necessary. Congratulations! You have created a presentation that
effectively communicates your ideas in a visual way.
c) Ask your teacher whether you will give your presentation to an audience of your peers.