Guidelines For Grade 11 Oral History Or Research Assignment:- Formulate The Key Question.- Identify A Variety Of Relevant Source Materials To Help Answer The Key Question.- Select Relevant Examples From The Source Material To Substantiate The Line Of
Introduction
As a student in Grade 11, you are likely to encounter an oral history or research assignment that requires you to delve into the world of history. This assignment is designed to help you develop your critical thinking, research, and communication skills. In this article, we will provide you with guidelines on how to approach this assignment, from formulating the key question to selecting relevant examples from source materials.
Formulating the Key Question
The first step in any research assignment is to formulate a key question. This question should be specific, clear, and focused on a particular aspect of history. It should also be open-ended, allowing you to explore different perspectives and ideas. Here are some tips to help you formulate a key question:
- Start with a broad topic: Begin by identifying a broad topic in history that interests you. This could be a historical event, a cultural movement, or a social issue.
- Narrow down the topic: Once you have a broad topic, narrow it down to a specific aspect. For example, if you are interested in the American Civil Rights Movement, you could focus on the role of Martin Luther King Jr. or the impact of the movement on African American communities.
- Ask a question: Formulate a question that you want to answer through your research. This question should be specific and focused on a particular aspect of the topic.
Example of a Key Question
- What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the working class in 19th-century England?
Identifying a Variety of Relevant Source Materials
Once you have formulated your key question, the next step is to identify a variety of relevant source materials to help answer it. Source materials can include:
- Primary sources: These are original documents or artifacts that provide firsthand information about a historical event or period. Examples include diaries, letters, speeches, and photographs.
- Secondary sources: These are books, articles, or other written materials that provide analysis and interpretation of primary sources. Examples include historical textbooks, academic articles, and documentaries.
- Tertiary sources: These are general information sources that provide an overview of a historical topic. Examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, and online resources.
Tips for Identifying Source Materials
- Use a variety of sources: Try to use a mix of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
- Evaluate the credibility of sources: Make sure that the sources you use are credible and trustworthy. Look for sources that are written by experts in the field and that provide evidence to support their claims.
- Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can provide valuable information and insights on historical topics. However, be sure to evaluate the credibility of online sources and to use them in conjunction with other sources.
Selecting Relevant Examples from Source Materials
Once you have identified a variety of relevant source materials, the next step is to select relevant examples from each source to substantiate the line of discussion. Here are some tips to help you select relevant examples:
- Read and analyze the source: Before selecting examples, read and analyze the source to understand content and significance.
- Identify key points: Identify the key points in the source that are relevant to your key question.
- Select examples that support your argument: Select examples that support your argument and that provide evidence to answer your key question.
Example of Selecting Relevant Examples
- If you are researching the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the working class in 19th-century England, you might select examples from primary sources such as diaries and letters written by workers during this period. You might also select examples from secondary sources such as historical textbooks and academic articles that provide analysis and interpretation of primary sources.
Organizing and Writing the Assignment
Once you have selected relevant examples from source materials, the next step is to organize and write the assignment. Here are some tips to help you do this:
- Create an outline: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and ideas. This will help you to structure your assignment and to ensure that you cover all the key points.
- Write a clear and concise introduction: Write a clear and concise introduction that sets the context for the assignment and provides an overview of the key question.
- Use evidence to support your argument: Use evidence from source materials to support your argument and to answer the key question.
- Conclude with a summary: Conclude with a summary of the key points and a final thought on the significance of the topic.
Example of an Organized Assignment
- Introduction: The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the working class in 19th-century England.
- Body: The Industrial Revolution led to the development of new machines and factories, which created new job opportunities for workers. However, it also led to the exploitation of workers and the growth of poverty and inequality.
- Conclusion: In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the working class in 19th-century England. While it created new opportunities for workers, it also led to exploitation and poverty.
Conclusion
Q: What is the purpose of the oral history or research assignment?
A: The purpose of the oral history or research assignment is to help you develop your critical thinking, research, and communication skills. It requires you to delve into the world of history, formulate a key question, identify a variety of relevant source materials, select relevant examples from source materials, and organize and write the assignment in a clear and concise manner.
Q: What is the key question and how do I formulate it?
A: The key question is a specific, clear, and focused question that you want to answer through your research. To formulate a key question, start with a broad topic in history, narrow it down to a specific aspect, and ask a question that you want to answer. For example, "What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the working class in 19th-century England?"
Q: What are primary, secondary, and tertiary sources?
A: Primary sources are original documents or artifacts that provide firsthand information about a historical event or period. Examples include diaries, letters, speeches, and photographs. Secondary sources are books, articles, or other written materials that provide analysis and interpretation of primary sources. Examples include historical textbooks, academic articles, and documentaries. Tertiary sources are general information sources that provide an overview of a historical topic. Examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, and online resources.
Q: How do I evaluate the credibility of sources?
A: To evaluate the credibility of sources, look for sources that are written by experts in the field and that provide evidence to support their claims. Check the author's credentials, the publication date, and the publisher's reputation. Also, consider the bias and perspective of the author and the potential for errors or inaccuracies.
Q: How do I select relevant examples from source materials?
A: To select relevant examples from source materials, read and analyze the source to understand its content and significance. Identify the key points in the source that are relevant to your key question and select examples that support your argument and provide evidence to answer your key question.
Q: How do I organize and write the assignment?
A: To organize and write the assignment, create an outline to structure your thoughts and ideas. Write a clear and concise introduction that sets the context for the assignment and provides an overview of the key question. Use evidence from source materials to support your argument and answer the key question. Conclude with a summary of the key points and a final thought on the significance of the topic.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in the oral history or research assignment?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid in the oral history or research assignment include:
- Failing to formulate a clear and focused key question
- Not identifying a variety of relevant source materials
- Selecting irrelevant examples from source materials
- Not using evidence to support your argument
- Not organizing and writing the assignment in a clear and concise manner
- Not citing sources properly
Q: How can I get help the oral history or research assignment?
A: If you need help with the oral history or research assignment, you can:
- Ask your teacher or instructor for guidance and support
- Consult with classmates or peers who have completed the assignment
- Use online resources and tutorials to learn more about the assignment and how to complete it
- Seek help from a tutor or academic support service on campus
Q: What are the benefits of completing the oral history or research assignment?
A: The benefits of completing the oral history or research assignment include:
- Developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills
- Gaining a deeper understanding of historical events and periods
- Improving your ability to analyze and interpret source materials
- Enhancing your writing and presentation skills
- Building confidence and self-esteem in your academic abilities