Contextualization in DBQ and LEQ Writing

The video tutorial addresses common mistakes students make in the contextualization paragraph of DBQ and LEQ essays. It emphasizes the importance of setting the stage for the thesis by discussing relevant events leading up to the argument. The tutorial warns against the error of merely listing prior events without connecting them to the thesis. It provides guidance on ensuring that contextualization is directly related to the thesis, using examples like political changes and imperialism to illustrate effective contextualization.

What is the primary role of a contextualization paragraph in a DBQ or LEQ?

• To summarize the entire essay

• To introduce the main characters

• To set the stage for the thesis

• To provide a conclusion

What common mistake do students make in their contextualization paragraphs?

• Including irrelevant events

• Using too many quotes

• Focusing on future events

• Ignoring the thesis statement

Why is it incorrect to just list events that occurred before the thesis time period?

• Because they are too recent

• Because they are not historical

• Because they may not be relevant to the thesis

• Because they are too detailed

What must the events in your contextualization paragraph do?

• Relate directly to your thesis

• Be from the same century

• Include famous personalities

• Be in chronological order

If your thesis is about political changes, what should your contextualization focus on?

• Technological advancements

• Cultural shifts

• Political events leading to changes

• Economic trends

What should you discuss in your contextualization if your thesis is about imperialism?

• The industrial revolution

• Events leading up to imperialism

• The rise of democracy

• The fall of empires

What is the key to effective contextualization in an essay?

• Writing a lengthy introduction

• Including as many events as possible

• Relating events to the thesis

• Using complex vocabulary