Constructing Explanations and Making Judgement

Sec 2

Modern World History

Used with permission of

Mrs Choo

Constructing Explanations – P.E.E.L method

0Explanation vs Description0 Explanation: A statement or account that makes something

clear; a reason or justification given for an action or belief0 Description: A statement that represents something in words

0In History essays, you want to EXPLAIN and ultimately JUSTIFY and NOT merely list points that describe

0How?0 Use the P.E.E.L method for EACH paragraph of explanation

0P – Point (given factor(s)/assertion)0E – Elaboration0E – Evidence/Example0L – Link to the topic of the question

Step 1: Study the question to identify the topic, keyword(s) and given factor(s)/assertion

0Type 1 (Low): Why did the Germans resent the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer.

0If the question gives you a main topic, you are required to explain THREE factors (eg. terms of the treaty) before drawing a conclusion.

MAIN TOPIC KEYWORDS

TOPICGIVEN FACTOR KEYWORDS

0Type 2 (Medium): “The War Guilt Clause was the most important reason as to why the Germans resented the Treaty of Versailles.” Do you agree? Explain your answer.

0If the question gives you ONE given factor, you are required to explain TWO more factors before drawing a conclusion.

TOPIC ASSERTION

0Type 3 (High): “The Treaty of Versailles was fair.” Do you agree? Explain your answer.

0If the question gives you an assertion (a stated opinion/conclusion), you are required to look at BOTH sides of the topic and make a JUDGEMENT in your conclusion

Step 2: Constructing your essay (using P.E.E.L)

0P.E.E.L is used for EACH EXPLANATION/FACTOR/ASSERTION0Explanation of ONE FACTOR = ONE PARAGRAPH0Explanation of ONE ASSERTION = ONE PARAGRAPH

0NOTE: E(laboration) and E(xample) can be combined and not necessarily written in order of sequence in your explanation of the factor

Step 3: Constructing your conclusion (weighing of factors) for Type 2 & 3

0P.E.E.L is NOT required for the conclusion0In your conclusion, you are to:01. Assess ALL factors or BOTH sides of the assertion02. Weigh or rank each factor/assertion 03. Form a judgement on WHICH factor/assertion is

of UTMOST importance to the topic of the question04. Justify as to WHY your judgement is as such05. Compare briefly with the rest of the

factors/assertion (as to why they are less important)

Slide 12

TOPICGIVEN FACTOR KEYWORDS

0Type 2 (Medium): “The War Guilt Clause was the most important reason as to why the Germans resented the Treaty of Versailles.” Do you agree? Explain your answer.

0*Plan your answer using the given summary table on the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

.

Class Discussion - Task 1: Plan your answer

Classroom Task 2: Complete Paragraphs 1-3 (20 mins)

0Based on your completed summary table, start writing the first paragraph of your answer.01st paragraph = given factor

0You must STATE YOUR STAND first before you begin explaining the given factor.

Example 1: Agree with the statement

Although there are other terms of the Treaty of Versailles, I agree that the War Guilt Clause was indeed the most important reason why the Germans resented the treaty.

Germany resented the Treaty of Versailles because it was forced to accept the War Guilt Clause. The clause stated that Germany was to accept full blame for the war as………………………………………….…………………………………….....…………………………………........ For example (if any)……………..Therefore/Thus/Hence, the War Guilt Clause caused much resentment among the Germans as they felt that……………...………………………………………………………………………………………

P

E

E

L

Example 2: Disagree with the statement

Although there are other terms of the Treaty of Versailles, I disagree that the War Guilt Clause was indeed the most important reason why the Germans resented the treaty.

Germany resented the Treaty of Versailles because it was forced to accept the War Guilt Clause. The clause stated that Germany was to accept full blame for the war as………………………………………….…………………………………….....…………………………………........ For example (if any)……………..Therefore/Thus/Hence, the War Guilt Clause caused much resentment among the Germans as they felt that……………...………………………………………………………………………………………

P

E

E

L

Classroom Task 3: Conclusion (5 mins)

0 Refer to Slide 70 Refer to your initial stand at the beginning of the essay

Example:I think that the War Guilt Clause was what caused the Germans to resent the Treaty of Versailles as they felt utterly humiliated that they had to accept full blame. To the Germans, they should not be deemed solely responsible as……………………………… In comparison, the repayment of reparations, while also did cause much hatred for the treaty, was a less important reason because………………………….. As well, the point on the loss of territory was also of less importance in terms of causing resentment among the Germans as………………… Thus, I feel that the clause indeed was the trigger factor that led to the German’s utter loathe of the treaty which in turn resulted in its drive towards revenge during the Second World War.

ASSIGNMENT - due on July 16 (Thursday)

0Type 1 (Low): Why did the Germans resent the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer.

0If the question gives you a main topic, you are required to explain THREE factors (eg. terms of the treaty) before drawing a conclusion.

MAIN TOPIC KEYWORDS