Human Evolution 101
Paper: Write a five paragraph paper that describes and summarizes the article you found. The article (not a blog or opinion piece) you choose should be over 700 words in length.
State the title of the article and briefly explain what topics the paper will cover. Remember that a thesis statement is the last sentence of the paragraph and summarizes what the paper will talk about.
Summarize the key points in the article. Be sure to state what the find was and where it was found. State the main question the author attempts to answer with the find. What material was found by archaeologists or discovery made in a lab (e.g., about dating processes, genetic similarities, etc.)?
Explain how this discovery is important for the scientific community. If it is new information, then explain why it’s new, ground breaking, or what makes it unique (which means you have to know the old ideas too).
Explore how it compares to the information introduced in your book and/or lecture (could it change existing theories).
Explain significance of this find in comparison to the content in your textbook and/or lecture (remember use of material from either requires citations).
Conclude by explaining whether you were surprised by the find and why. Does this article challenge or confirm your understanding of human origins (before taking this class) and what were those views based on? Use this opportunity to critique the content/argument of the article.
Include a works cited section
Some topics you may want to look for
Use of tools/fire
Expansion or use of culture (e.g., cooking, cooperation)
Use of language/symbols (art)
Prehistoric dwelling, hunting
New species identification or reclassification
Last common ancestors
Irreducible Complexity
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/human-evolution-101
