Essential Questions For History

Essential questions make great bell ringers! All students need to know the essential questions, how to read them and answer. Instead of throwing them on a test and having students be totally surprised or confused with the wording, use them as group discussions to get the brains going and let students get used to seeing them (since they might show up on EOG's).

Some examples of EQ's could be:

In 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress created the Declaration of Independence to state their problems with the British Government. On what date was this document signed, what grievances were stated in the document, and what were the basic human rights listed within the document?  Is this document still applicable to today?

 Religion is a key component in how societies have been shaped and rules made. Name 3 of the major world religions and how they helped shape a countries beliefs and laws. 

The Protestant Reformation changed world religion and laws in multiple societies. Name one group that was formed due to the Protestant Reformation and give an example of how laws and lives were changed because of it. 

The role of government is based on many factors depending on what part of the world one lives. Give an example of 2 governments in the world and what factors determine their laws (try to give examples of what the laws are based on; religion, social concerns, etc.).

As anyone can see, such questions are difficult and hard to answer for many pupils. It is important that they can answer such questions and understand such wording in order to be successful in many courses.

Hope this helps.