Essay (50 points). Choose one prompt to answer. Your answer should be between four and six paragraphs in length. You must use specific evidence to support your answer. I want you to make a single, clear argument.
1.How does South African history differ from much of the rest of the continent? Provide concrete examples of what makes South African history unique, from 1652 until 1994. You must draw on specific evidence, from at least three sources, in order to make your case.
2. Describe some of the legacies of colonialism for independent Africa. How did the period of colonial rule shape African social, political, and economic life in the postcolonial era? You must provide at least three specific examples to support your argument.
A successful essay contains the following elements:
Clear, specific, thesis. Arguing that colonialism was bad is not a good thesis. How clear, unique, and persuasive is your thesis? Does your thesis lay out your argument, and is your argument original?
Organization. Think about what you are going to say before you begin writing. Your essay should flow logically. Each sentence should support the argument or a sub-argument, and because of this, it should be easy to follow.
Empirical details that support your argument. How well do you support your thesis with evidence from various readings? Do you choose compelling examples? Do you use specific examples and elaborate on why they support your thesis? Do you tie your different examples together?
Good writing is a necessity for creating a good essay. How is the sentence construction, grammar, word choice, transition sentences / words, etc.? Remember: avoid passive voice, overly wordy sentence constructions, and “to be” verbs.
The grading rubric for the essay follows closely from the above suggestions: insight/thesis (50%); demonstration using evidence (25%); and quality of writing (25%)
You only need to pick one question and I just paid for 550 words guessing that is enough for 4-6 paragraphs.
