four- to five-page (double-spaced) essay with the font and margins given below.

four- to five-page (double-spaced) essay with the font and margins given below. It counts for 35% of your course grade. You should consult the textbook, PowerPoints and your notes. You must neither use any other sources nor collaborate with classmates or others. By reviewing Chapter 5 and the closing section of Chapter 4 on politics you should be able to provide a strong essay, but you may also strengthen your answer by drawing on relevant parts of earlier chapters.
This midterm tests your ability to identify relevant content—important events, trends, leaders, concepts—and to shape them into a coherent, complete and compelling answer. At the heart of your essay should be several big causes with supporting arguments and plenty of evidence. “Evidence” here means accurately and appropriate marshaling facts (including names of individuals, dates, and other details) that demonstrate your claims. Grades will be based on the extent to which you are able to provide an accurate and complete answer that includes evidence from two or more chapters to support your claims. You will also be graded based on how frequently you cite the textbook. Include a short introduction that spells out your main arguments.
We are relying very heavily on the textbook, but your answer must be your own. Do not copy the text word-for-word or too closely paraphrase; that is, use your own words but also organize the material in your own way, rather than simply marching through the chapters, paragraph by paragraph. Copying phrases without quoting and too closely paraphrasing both constitute plagiarism and may result in a failing grade for the assignment. Your essays should instead demonstrate that you have digested the course material and are able to discuss content confidently and in your own words. You may quote a few short passages that are especially important, but no more. Whether quoting or paraphrasing or otherwise referencing specific ideas or evidence, you must cite the textbook page number in parentheses at the end of your sentence, like this, (165). Please cite enough that the reader knows where each and every claims or fact that you’ve taken from the text came from.
Use Times 12-point font and 1-inch margins on all sides.