Constructing Explanations and Making Judgement Sec 2 Modern World History Used with permission of Mrs Choo

Constructing Explanations – P.E.E.L method 0 Explanation vs Description 0 Explanation: A statement or account that makes something clear; a reason or justification given for an action or belief 0 Description: A statement that represents something in words 0 In History essays, you want to EXPLAIN and ultimately JUSTIFY and NOT merely list points that describe 0 How? 0 Use the P.E.E.L method for EACH paragraph of explanation 0 P – Point (given factor(s)/assertion) 0 E – Elaboration 0 E – Evidence/Example 0 L – Link to the topic of the question

Step 1: Study the question to identify the topic, keyword(s) and given factor(s)/assertion 0 Type 1 (Low): Why did the Germans resent the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer. 0 If the question gives you a main topic, you are required to explain THREE factors (eg. terms of the treaty) before drawing a conclusion. MAIN TOPICKEYWORDS

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

TOPIC ASSERTION 0 Type 3 (High): “The Treaty of Versailles was fair.” Do you agree? Explain your answer. 0 If 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) 0 P.E.E.L is used for EACH EXPLANATION/FACTOR/ASSERTION 0 Explanation of ONE FACTOR = ONE PARAGRAPH 0 Explanation of ONE ASSERTION = ONE PARAGRAPH 0 NOTE: 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 0 P.E.E.L is NOT required for the conclusion 0 In your conclusion, you are to: 0 1. Assess ALL factors or BOTH sides of the assertion 0 2. Weigh or rank each factor/assertion 0 3. Form a judgement on WHICH factor/assertion is of UTMOST importance to the topic of the question 0 4. Justify as to WHY your judgement is as such 0 5. Compare briefly with the rest of the factors/assertion (as to why they are less important) Slide 12

TOPIC GIVEN FACTOR KEYWORDS 0 Type 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) 0 Based on your completed summary table, start writing the first paragraph of your answer. 0 1 st paragraph = given factor 0 You 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 7Slide 7 0 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) 0 Type 1 (Low): Why did the Germans resent the terms of the Treaty of Versailles? Explain your answer. 0 Focus on explaining THREE factors (eg. terms of the treaty) using P. E. E. L., before drawing a conclusion. MAIN TOPICKEYWORDS