Less experienced writers need practice in forming ideas and develop focus.  The following types of written activities can help:
 

a topic proposal

freewriting

a thesis statement

answering open-ended questions

Here are some examples, based on the history assignment:

A topic proposal. Take 5 minutes to think about what Asian country you might choose.  What do you know about that country from class lectures & reading assignments?  Why are you interested in that country?  When you finish writing, volunteers will read aloud.  I’ll collect your piece & mark it strong (S), okay (ok), weak (w), or no credit (NC).

A "focused" freewrite. Write a page on what you’ve learned about the Asian nations we’ve studied.  Jump around if you must, but don’t stop writing for 5 minutes.  I’ll return what you've written, underlining interesting parts.

A thesis. Before the end of class, take 5 minutes to write. Describe the character of your autobiography.  Explain his/her idea of nationalism.  Tell how this idea will affect his/her historical account.  I’ll provide brief comments.

An open-ended question. Look at the assignment, choose 1 of the questions, & answer it.  Read your answer to small group of classmates.  They’ll suggest how you might make it “useable” for your upcoming project.  You should record what suggestions from your classmates seemed most helpful.
 

Write a short invention exercise for your own assignment.