Unit 1 A New World Rising
Grade 5 Social Studies/ELA Curriculum
Lesson 3: Great Civilizations Emerge in the Americas
Name: _________________________________ Date: _____________________________
Informational Essay
The Inca, Aztecs, and the Maya all created civilizations that had some similar and some unique
characteristics. Choose two of the civilizations and write a response comparing and contrasting
two of the following characteristics: religion, technology, writing, job specialization, cities,
government, social hierarchy.
In your response, be sure to
• Introduce the two civilizations and, provide a general observation and focus
• Compare and contrast each characteristic in both civilizations. Use facts, definitions,
concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
• Link your ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and
clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially)
• Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation
presented.
Check your writing for correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.
©Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES:
Grade 5 Integrated Social Studies/English Language Arts Curriculum
The Western Hemisphere
Page 1 Revised July 2014