Part II
THEMATIC ESSAY QUESTION
Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task
below, and a conclusion.
Theme: Human and Physical Geography
Throughout history, geographic features have influenced the development of
civilizations and regions. Geographic features have both promoted and limited
interactions with other civilizations and regions.
Task:
Select two different geographic features and for each
• Discuss how this geographic feature influenced the development of a specific
civilization or region
• Discuss how this geographic feature promoted and/or limited the interaction
of this civilization or region with another civilization or region
You may use any geographic feature from your study of global history and geography.
Some suggestions you might wish to consider include Nile River, Atlantic Ocean, Himalayas,
Sahara Desert, Great Northern Plain, location of Japan, Mediterranean Sea, Russian steppes,
Brazilian rain forest, and Indian Ocean monsoons.
You are not limited to these suggestions.
Do not use a specific geographic feature within the United States in your answer.