Imagine your local museum is hosting a special exhibit on medieval Japan and Europe. They have asked history students in the area to provide brief informational articles to share with museum visitors. For your assessment, you’ll write a brief article teaching others about the similarities and differences between feudal Europe and feudal Japan.

Step 1

Use your notes from the lesson and the Comparative History Writing Planner to organize your thoughts and plan your writing.

Step 2

Write an informative article describing how feudal Japan and feudal Europe are both similar and different. Remember, your goal is to teach museum visitors how feudal Japan and Europe compared. Your article should include:

a minimum of two paragraphs
similarities and differences between how feudalism formed in medieval Europe and Japan
similarities and differences between feudal society in medieval Europe and Japan (ex. social hierarchy, bushido versus chivalry)
at least five of the key terms listed below
a concluding statement that summarizes your main points
feudalism
bushi
shoen
fief
rural
urban
emperor
shogun
daimyo
samurai
peasant
artisan
merchant
king
lord
knight
vassal
serf
hara-kiri
bushido
chivalry
Step 3

Proofread your writing to ensure it is clear and free of grammar or spelling errors. Revise your work as needed before submitting your article.