Pull-out what you deem the most important historical event/development discussed in chapters 1 through 8; just one event/development for each chapter]. Take each of these eight events/developments and compare and contrast them to one event/development occurring during your life-time. The life-time event can be based on any criteria you wish [an event you liked, disliked, that impacted you or your race or state, that you despised or admired, that inspired you...).
In all, you will be working with 16 events/developments. You will compare and contrast 8 events/developments from the chapters and 8 lifetime events/developments. Hence, while you will be comparing 16 events in all, you will only have to provide 8 comparative analyses [the act of comparing and contrasting two concepts] since your analyses will be in pairs.
As an example, for one of your seven comparative analyses, you may wish to compare and contrast the Punic Wars and the Gulf War. Your comparative analysis would need to include what these two events have in common (at least two or three things) and where they differ (one or two things). In each of the eight analyses, you must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both the chapter event and the life-time event. The life-time event can be based on memory or your understanding [though you can feel free to refresh your knowledge of the life-time event]; however, the chapter event should be as historically accurate as possible.
The life-time event can range from a major political event to an insignificant social or cultural event. Please feel free to be creative [such as comparing and contrasting a sports event during your life-time and a cultural event in ancient times] or as formal as you wish.
Your essay must include:
An introduction telegraphing where you are headed in the essay.
Developed paragraphs that are easy to follow and to understand.
A brief discussion of the chapter events' and the life-time events' similarities and the differences in each of your comparative analyses.
A brief note as to why you selected each of the events.
A concluding paragraph for the essay.
Your essay should demonstrate an understanding of the English language and your ability to navigate through the language. In other words, put your English skills to work. Make your essay, easy to read, informative and interesting. You have two days to work your magic so don't feel rushed!!! I have selected this format to both challenge you and to allow your creative juices to flow in a course that many students find boring and stale.
Also
No sub-titles, headings, boldings, numberings [this includes alphabets], bullets or other accessories will be accepted. Please prepare a formal essay that lets your writing do your talking!!
AS A GENERAL RULE: The bulk of this essay should focus on the chapter event rather than the life-time event!!!! Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the chapter event!!!