Stop MISSING the CONTEXTUALIZATION Point for DBQ & LEQ!!

Heimler's History
26 Apr 202305:16
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive guide on writing a contextualization paragraph for DBQ and LEQ, highlighting common mistakes and providing solutions. It emphasizes the importance of situating the thesis within a historical context, typically 50-100 years prior to the main time period discussed. The key advice is to be specific and relevant in the contextualization, using concrete examples rather than general statements. A formula is suggested: introduce and explain three key vocabulary terms related to the thesis topic and connect them to the thesis in the final sentence. The video also encourages viewers to study thematically and offers additional resources for exam preparation.

Takeaways
  • 📝 The purpose of a contextualization paragraph is to situate the thesis within the larger historical context using about three sentences.
  • ⏰ The contextualization should focus on events that occurred approximately 50 to 100 years before the time period in question.
  • 🎯 Avoid the first common mistake by ensuring the contextualization paragraph is related to the thesis topic, not just factually true but irrelevant.
  • 🔍 The second common mistake is a lack of specificity; provide concrete examples and evidence in the contextualization paragraph.
  • 🌿 Example used in the script: Norman's existence is contextualized by discussing suburbanization and social reorganization in America during the 1950s.
  • ⚙️ For a prompt on Spanish colonization, focus on the social realities affected by the colonization rather than the technology that enabled the travel.
  • 📖 Use specific historical events to demonstrate the context, such as segregation and industrial capitalism to show social tension.
  • 🎭 Follow the 'show, don't tell' principle in writing contextualization by providing vivid examples that help the reader visualize the context.
  • 📈 The formula for writing a contextualization paragraph is V-E-T (Vocabulary, Explanation, Time) followed by a sentence tying the context to the thesis.
  • 📚 To effectively recall information for contextualization, study the course thematically and use review materials to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
  • 🚀 Achieving a high score on an exam requires not only understanding the content but also mastering the skill of writing effective contextualization paragraphs.
Q & A

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

    -The main purpose of a contextualization paragraph is to situate the thesis within the larger historical context, providing a background of events or circumstances that led to the situation or problem being discussed.

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

    -The two biggest mistakes are writing a contextualization paragraph that is unrelated to the thesis and not being specific enough with the evidence used in the paragraph.

  • How far back in time should a contextualization typically reach according to the rubric?

    -A contextualization should generally refer to events that occurred about 50 to 100 years before the time period being written about.

  • Why is it important to choose specific evidence in a contextualization paragraph?

    -Using specific evidence helps to effectively demonstrate the historical context and directly supports the thesis, making it more compelling and relevant to the argument being made.

  • What is the 'show, don't tell' principle mentioned in the script, and how does it apply to writing contextualization paragraphs?

    -The 'show, don't tell' principle is a guideline from fiction writing that encourages authors to use descriptive actions and details to convey emotions or situations rather than simply stating them. In the context of writing contextualization paragraphs, it means providing concrete examples and evidence to illustrate the historical context rather than just stating general facts.

  • What is the formula provided for writing a contextualization paragraph?

    -The formula is V-E-T (vocabulary, explain, time). It involves naming a relevant vocabulary term, explaining what it means, and then tying it to the thesis topic with a specific time frame.

  • How can studying the course thematically help with writing contextualization paragraphs?

    -Studying the course thematically helps students to better recall and organize information related to the topic of the prompt, which in turn makes it easier to write a contextualization paragraph that is both relevant and specific.

  • Why is it essential for the contextualization paragraph to be related to the category of the problem?

    -It is essential because the contextualization paragraph should provide a historical background that directly supports the thesis and the argument being made. If it is unrelated, it will not effectively set up the discussion and may result in the loss of points.

  • What advice is given to ensure that the contextualization paragraph is not just true but also relevant?

    -The advice given is to ensure that the contextualization paragraph is specific and directly related to the thesis. It should not just state true facts but should provide evidence that is pertinent to the argument being made in the thesis.

  • How does the example of Norman and the suburbanization of America illustrate the importance of a relevant contextualization?

    -The example shows that while photosynthesis is a true fact about Norman's existence, it is not relevant to the social realities being discussed. The contextualization should instead focus on the social reorganization during the suburbanization of America, which directly relates to Norman's existence and the question being asked.

  • What is the role of the thesis in guiding the contextualization paragraph?

    -The thesis guides the contextualization paragraph by determining the historical context that needs to be established. The paragraph should provide evidence and events that are directly related to the argument or point being made in the thesis.

Outlines
00:00
📝 Writing a Contextualization Paragraph

This paragraph introduces Norman, a character who will help explain how to write a contextualization paragraph for DBQ and LEQ. It emphasizes the importance of situating the thesis in a historical context and avoiding common mistakes. The speaker clarifies that contextualization should occur 50 to 100 years before the time period in question and provides an example of how to properly contextualize by discussing social realities leading to Norman's existence, rather than unrelated topics like photosynthesis.

05:00
🎓 Studying Themed and AP Review

The second paragraph discusses the importance of studying the course thematically to better recall information for contextualization. The speaker suggests watching another video for thematic study tips and promotes AP review packs designed to help achieve a perfect score on the exam. The paragraph concludes with a light-hearted sign-off, indicating the speaker's availability for further questions.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Contextualization Paragraph
A contextualization paragraph is a crucial element in academic writing, particularly for essays such as the DBQ and LEQ. It sets the historical or social backdrop against which the main argument or thesis of the essay is situated. In the video, the contextualization paragraph is emphasized as a make-or-break component that can significantly influence the essay's score. It should include three sentences that situate the thesis in a larger historical context, ideally 50 to 100 years before the time period in question.
💡Thesis
The thesis is the central argument or main point of an essay, which the contextualization paragraph is designed to support. It provides a clear and concise statement of the essay's focus, guiding the reader through the historical or social context that led to the current state of affairs. In the video, the importance of aligning the contextualization paragraph with the thesis is stressed, as an unrelated contextualization can result in the loss of points.
💡DBQ
DBQ stands for Document-Based Question, which is a type of essay question commonly found in history exams, such as the AP World History or AP US History exams. It requires students to analyze a set of provided documents and craft an essay that addresses a specific question or argument. The contextualization paragraph plays a pivotal role in setting up the historical context for the analysis of these documents and the development of the thesis.
💡LEQ
LEQ stands for Long Essay Question, which is a type of open-ended question that requires students to write an essay in response. Unlike DBQs, LEQs do not provide specific documents to analyze but instead ask for an essay that addresses a broad historical topic or argument. The contextualization paragraph is essential in LEQs to establish the historical backdrop for the essay's thesis and argument.
💡Rubric
A rubric is a set of criteria used for assessing work, such as essays, in an academic or educational setting. It outlines the expectations for various aspects of the work, including content, organization, and writing style. In the context of the video, the rubric for DBQs and LEQs dictates that the contextualization should be relevant and specific to the time period in question, with a focus on events occurring 50 to 100 years prior to the time period being analyzed.
💡Social Realities
Social realities refer to the actual conditions and dynamics of a society at a given time, including aspects such as social structures, cultural norms, and power relations. In the video, the concept of social realities is central to understanding how historical events and societal changes have shaped the world. The contextualization paragraph should address these social realities to effectively support the thesis and provide a solid foundation for the essay's argument.
💡Historical Context
Historical context refers to the background information about the events, circumstances, and cultural conditions that surround a particular period or event in history. It provides a framework for understanding how and why things happened the way they did. In the video, creating a clear historical context through the contextualization paragraph is essential for setting the stage for the essay's analysis and argument.
💡Mistakes in Contextualization
Mistakes in contextualization refer to errors made when writing the contextualization paragraph, such as providing irrelevant information or failing to be specific enough with the evidence. These mistakes can lead to a loss of points in academic writing, as the contextualization is meant to support the thesis and provide a clear understanding of the historical or social backdrop. The video outlines two common mistakes: discussing unrelated topics and not providing specific evidence to support the contextualization.
💡Formula for Writing
The formula for writing, as mentioned in the video, is a structured approach to crafting the contextualization paragraph. It involves using a specific pattern of sentences to introduce and explain key vocabulary, and then tying these terms to the essay's topic or thesis. This formula helps to ensure that the contextualization paragraph is clear, focused, and directly related to the main argument of the essay.
💡Studying Thematically
Studying thematically refers to organizing and analyzing course material according to overarching themes or categories, rather than just chronological order. This approach helps students to draw connections between different historical events, social changes, and cultural developments, which can be particularly useful for writing contextualization paragraphs that are relevant and specific.
💡AP Review Packs
AP Review Packs are resources designed to help students prepare for the Advanced Placement exams, which are standardized tests taken by high school students in the United States. These packs typically include study materials, practice questions, and other resources aimed at achieving a high score on the exam. In the video, the speaker mentions AP Review Packs as a tool for students to enhance their understanding of the course material and improve their contextualization skills.
Highlights

Norman the dog introduces the topic of writing a contextualization paragraph for DBQ and LEQ.

Contextualization paragraphs should situate the thesis in the larger historical context with about three sentences.

The video aims to clarify the concept of contextualization and provide a formula for writing the paragraph.

According to the rubric, contextualization can occur before, during, or after the time period of the problem, but this example focuses on before.

A general rule is to contextualize with events that happened about 50 to 100 years before the time period in question.

The first mistake students make is writing a contextualization paragraph that is unrelated to the thesis.

The second mistake is not being specific enough with evidence in the contextualization paragraph.

An example is given where Norman's existence is evaluated based on social reorganization during suburbanization of America.

The importance of specificity is emphasized by contrasting a general statement with more detailed historical evidence.

The advice 'show, don't tell' is applied to contextualization, meaning evidence should be demonstrated, not just stated.

A formula for writing a contextualization paragraph is provided: V-E-T (vocabulary, explain, time).

The final sentence in the contextualization paragraph should tie back to the thesis topic.

Norman's role in the video is to help students understand the importance of specificity and relevance in contextualization.

The video also discusses how to study the course thematically for better contextualization.

AP review packs are recommended for students to achieve a perfect score on their exam.

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with more educational content.

Transcripts

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