Stop MISSING the CONTEXTUALIZATION Point for DBQ & LEQ!!

Summary

In this engaging instructional video, Norman, a charming character, teaches students how to write effective contextualization paragraphs for DBQs and LEQs. He highlights two key mistakes: using irrelevant context that doesn't relate to the thesis and lacking specificity in evidence. Norman emphasizes the importance of connecting historical events directly to the prompt and offers a clear formula: identify and explain relevant vocabulary before linking it back to the thesis. This approach helps students provide clarity and earn points in their responses, making contextualization a manageable and strategic aspect of their writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Contextualization paragraphs situate your thesis in a broader historical context, typically consisting of two to three sentences.
• 🤔 The two biggest mistakes students make are providing unrelated contextual information and lacking specificity in their evidence.
• 🕰️ Contextualization should ideally focus on events occurring 50 to 100 years before the prompt's time period.
• 🌍 When answering contextual questions, ensure that the context is relevant to the thesis topic.
• 💡 A common error is to discuss unrelated topics, such as scientific principles, instead of directly addressing social realities relevant to the prompt.
• 📊 Providing specific examples in your contextualization is crucial. Instead of vague references, mention concrete events or social conditions.
• ✍️ The recommended formula for writing a contextualization paragraph includes naming vocabulary, explaining its meaning, and tying it to the thesis.
• 📅 Use specific historical examples to illustrate social tensions or changes, such as segregation or industrial capitalism.
• 🔗 Ensure your concluding sentence clearly connects the contextual information to your thesis for maximum clarity.
• 🎯 Mastering contextualization can significantly improve your performance in writing DBQs and LEQs, making your arguments stronger and more relevant.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the contextualization paragraph in a DBQ or LEQ?

The main purpose of the contextualization paragraph is to situate the thesis within a larger historical context, helping to frame the argument being made.

What are the two biggest mistakes students make when writing contextualization paragraphs?

The two biggest mistakes are including irrelevant contextual information and lacking specificity in the evidence presented.

How far back should students typically look to provide relevant context for their thesis?

Students should typically look at events that occurred about 50 to 100 years before the time period of the prompt.

Why is it insufficient to include general statements in a contextualization paragraph?

General statements do not provide the necessary specificity that ties the context directly to the thesis, which is essential for earning points.

What does the phrase 'show, don’t tell' mean in the context of writing contextualization?

'Show, don’t tell' means that students should illustrate their points with specific examples and evidence rather than making vague statements.

What should a student do if their prompt asks about social realities during a specific historical event?

The student should provide context that specifically addresses the social realities relevant to that event, rather than discussing unrelated topics.

Can you give an example of how to contextualize a thesis related to Spanish colonization?

An example would be to describe how the social structure of the Americas prior to colonization differed from that of the Spanish, highlighting the impact of colonization on indigenous societies.

What is the suggested formula for writing a contextualization paragraph?

The formula includes naming relevant vocabulary, explaining what it means, and then tying that explanation back to the topic of the thesis.

How can a lack of specificity impact a student's score on their essay?

A lack of specificity can lead to a lower score because it fails to provide the depth of understanding and evidence necessary to support the argument effectively.

What are some effective examples of contextualization for migration in the U.S. between 1900 and 1970?

Effective examples include discussing southern segregation and violence that led to the Exodusters' migration or the growth of industrial capitalism during the Gilded Age that prompted urban migration.