Lesson 20 - How to add outside information to your essay

From LearnSocialStudies

Aim: How to add outside information to your DBQ Essay

Do Now: What is Outside Information?

Outside information is anything not in your documents in your DBQ.

The following techniques can be used to find outside information stored in your memory.

  1. The 5W's of History - Answering the 5w's of History for your document.
    • Who - Is there someone that the document is not mentioning that you know took part in the event?
    • What - Does the document explain what happened in detail? If not, add some additional detail about what happened.
    • Where - Does the document explain where the event took place? If not, add some detail where the event took place.
    • When - Does the document explain when the event took place? If not, add some detail when (time period, date, or century) the event took place.
    • Why - Does the document explain why or the causes the event happened? If not, add some detail why or what were the causes of the event.
  2. Result/Outcome
    • If the document does not explain the result/outcome of the event, add some detail of some of the results or outcomes.
  3. Worldly Relationship
    • Relate the document to the World. Explain some similarities and differences, or compare and contrast the time period of the world in the document to the world today.

Remember, the more outside information the better, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Example:

DBQ Question: What physical features helped to protect China from invasion?

Answer: The physical features that helped protect China from invasions are mountains and deserts.

Possible Outside information choices:

  • Emperors of China helped build a man-made wall to protect China along with the physical features. (WHO)
  • Cultural diffusion also did not occur because China was isolated. (Result/Outcome)
  • Trade was limited on the Silk Road because of the mountains and deserts. (Result/Outcomes)
  • China's isolationism caused their population to explode. This was a direct result of the limited contact with the outside world and the chance of getting diseases. (Result/Outcome)
  • China up until the 21st century was isolated and now participates in the world economy. It is now an emerging world power. (Relate to World Today)
  • China's isolation allowed for communism to start and grow. (Result/Outcome)
  • The Great Wall of China although a man-made structure also isolated and protected China from outside invasions.(Result/Outcome)
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