The effects of the development of trans-Saharan trade networks on West African states can be better understood by considering the earlier development of cities and states in the region.
Due to the difficulty of raising livestock and growing crops in the hot Sahara, the economy of
West Africa lagged behind that of North Africa until the growth of trade. Likewise, while a
sophisticated civilization developed in the Niger Valley after 300 BCE, growing trade cities at
the time were not joined into a larger empire. The ongoing development of trans-Saharan
trade, however, provided the resources for economic and political change in the region.
Review the sample essay excerpt above. First, explain how to provide contextualization in an
essay. Then, explain how this excerpt explains the context of the prompt. (15 points)
Hel

1. The question limits what the writer can include about trans-Saharan trade networks to only state formations and limits the networks to only trade networks. It also limits the location of networks to trans-Saharan and limits state formation to West Africa. The writer can choose different trade networks and can pick one or many West African states.

2. The prompt requires causation processing because it is asking how trade networks affect state formation. Causation describes causes and effects of historical development and the question is asking for the effect trade networks have on state formation in West Africa.

3. To get full points on the exam you need a defensible claim or thesis that can be backed by historical reasoning, support the argument with relevant evidence, and demonstrate an understanding of historical development from the focus of the prompt. You also need to describe the historical context to the prompt.

4. Thesis a is not an acceptable thesis because it can not be backed by historical reason. Thesis b includes direct examples that provide evidence to support the thesis’s response to the prompt.

5. Evidence in the long essay needs to be relevant and accurate and support the thesis. This excerpt uses specific evidence to clearly support the thesis and stays relevant to the topic. The evidence does a good job of supporting the thesis.

6. To provide contextualization in a long essay you relate the topic of the prompt to other historical events or developments before, during, or after the time frame from the prompt. The excerpt contextualizes by referring to Niger Valley’s development and North Africa development and compares it to West Africa’s development.

Explanation: