1. Source Interpretations
How to Write a GREAT Source Interpretation
Social Studies 10-1

2. Source Interpretation Assignment

3. Source Interpretation Written Response
There are 2 elements in a source interpretation written response and BOTH MUST BE ADDRESSED!
Interpret each source, explain the perspective(s) presented in each source, and discuss the links between globalization and each source
Identify and explain one or more of the relationships that exist among the three sources

4. The first element…. Interpret each source, explain the perspective(s) presented in each source, and discuss the links between globalization and each source
For each source, you must
Explain what is happening in the source
Explicit meaning (clear/obvious)
Implicit meaning (hidden/embedded)
Explain the main message of the source
What does the author/photographer/cartoonist want the viewer to understand?
Relate the source to the concepts you have learned in Social Studies
Use key vocabulary
Think about concepts of globalization studied- Eg. 4 dimensions: economic, social, political, environmental and whether the source shows an opportunity or a challenge.
You must do this for each source *****
Write 1 paragraph for each source.
A paragraph is a minimum of 5 sentences.

5. You must give reasons for your answers.
The second element… Identify and explain one or more of the relationships that exist among the three sources
A relationship is a significant connection or similarity between two or more things, or the state of being related to something else.
Consider all 3 sources and find connections between at least 2, if not all 3 sources.
Example: Source 1 and 3 show an economic dimension of globalization. All three sources show how the environment can be negatively effected.
You must give reasons for your answers.
Example: Source 1 and 3 show an economic dimension of globalization through their debate about transnational corporations and their pros and cons. All three sources show how the environment can be negatively effected by poor governance and greedy economic practices.

6. Formats of Writing for Source Interpretations
Use one of the following formats.
Four paragraph format: Three paragraphs on the source interpretations, their perspectives and the connections to globalization each source represents, for each source. And one paragraph on the relationships amongst the sources.
Three paragraph format: Analysis of the sources, the perspective presented and the connections to globalization with the relationships amongst the sources imbedded within each paragraph.

7. Things to Avoid Using personal words like “I” or “My”
Rather then saying: I think that this is a social dimension of globalization. State it as a fact: This is a social dimension of globalization.
Paraphrasing instead of interpreting the sources.
No marks will be awarded to students that re-write the information presented in the source. You must interpret (translate, decode, explain) the information.

8. Keys to Remember Address both elements of the source interpretation
Interpret every source
Explain what is happening in the source (implicit and explicit meaning)
Explain what the purpose or message of the source is
Relate each source to your Social Studies knowledge
Examples are a great way to show that you understand the source and its meaning.
Find clear and valid relationships
Find the relationships evident between the sources
Evidence is SO important; be sure to explain your links!
Re-read the finished copy. Be sure that it makes sense!