Assessing the Decline of Feudalism
Chapter 5 Writing Assignment: 50 Points
Directions: For this project, you’re going to write a historiography, an essay that’s ½ persuasive and ½
factual. It will be related to the content of Chapter 5, the Decline of Feudalism, and the three main
reasons why the social system failed. Here is the basic assignment:
Of the three reasons for the Decline of Feudalism (The Bubonic Plague, the 100 Years War, the Magna
Carta/Political Changes in England), which do you think most caused its ultimate failure? Which was
second most? Least? You will also have to describe each in detail as part of your argument.
Step 1 – Identify basic information in order to explain each of the causes listed above. Your ISN, Textbook,
and Primary Source activity for the Bubonic Plague will help here.
Step 2 – Then, find the major ways in which each of the above reasons contributed to failure of the feudal
system. Think critically as to why each was directly part of decline. Each section in the textbook will detail
this information.
Step 3 – Now, rank each of the causes as to how you believe they should be when dealing with the failure
of feudalism. Which do you think contributed the most to its failure? Second most? Least? Come up with
a reason or two why you ranked them as well.
Step 4 – Essay Requirements. THIS IS THE MOST EFFICIENT OUTLINE TO USE AND WILL PROVIDE THE BEST
WORK.
Suggested Outline for Decline of Feudalism Essay
I. Introduction Paragraph (general to narrow focus)
a. What is your essay about? (all three things
3-4 sentences
mentioned here – Magna Carta, Bubonic Plague,
100 Years’ War)
b. Thesis Statement is last sentence. SPECIFIC!
1 sentence
Example: Of all the reasons for the decline of feudalism, the Magna Carta was the
most significant, followed by the 100 Years’ War and the Bubonic Plague.
Example: It is my belief that the Bubonic Plague contributed the most to the
decline of feudalism, followed by the 100 Years’ War, and finally the Magna Carta.
II. Most Important Cause of the Decline
a. Introduction/Topic Sentence (focus)
b. Explain this cause (i.e. what is it?)
c. Defend/Explain why you ranked it here
1 sentence
2-3 sentences
2-3 sentences
III. Second Most Important Cause of the Decline
a. Introduction/Topic Sentence (focus)
b. Explain this cause (i.e. what is it?)
c. Defend/Explain why you ranked it here
1 sentence
2-3 sentences
2-3 sentences
IV. Third/Least Important Cause
a. Introduction/Topic Sentence (focus)
b. Explain this cause (i.e. what is it?)
1 sentence
2-3 sentences
(next
page)
c. Defend/Explain why you ranked it here
2-3 sentences
V. Conclusion
a. Restate Thesis Statement (FIRST SENTENCE)
b. 1 Sentence Summary of Paragraph II
c. 1 Sentence Summary of Paragraph III
d. 1 Sentence Summary of Paragraph IV
e. Good concluding thought/idea
1 sentence
1 sentence
1 sentence
1 sentence
1 sentence
Typed, double spaced, size 12 TIMES OR SIMILAR Font in black. 1.25-1.5 pages is a good length.
Step 5 – Edit your draft and create the final copy. Then, print it off and turn it in. It will be graded and
then returned to you so you can insert it into your portfolio. The grade will be on your portfolio rubric.
RUBRIC: Decline of Feudalism Persuasive Essay
Introduction Paragraph
Title Present (1)
Identifies Topic/Introduces Reader (1)
Solid, Specific Thesis Statement (2)
/4
Most Important Reason
Easily Identified/Ranked (1)
Thorough Explanation (4)
Supporting material as to why ranked here (7)
/12
Second-most Important Reason
Easily Identified/Ranked (1)
Thorough Explanation (4)
Supporting material as to why ranked here (7)
/12
Least Important Reason
Easily Identified/Ranked (1)
Thorough Explanation (4)
Supporting material as to why ranked here (7)
/12
Conclusion Paragraph
Restates Thesis (1)
1 Solid Sentence per Body Paragraph (3)
Concluding Thought Inspires Reader (1)
/5
Miscellaneous
12 Point, Times font, Double Space (1)
Essay is Typed (1)
Essay is 1.25-1.5 pages Minimum (1)
Spelling and Grammar Usage (2)
/5
TOTAL 
/50
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