How do we identify the ‘usefulness of evidence’

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will ….

Use the method of DIE (describe, interpret, evaluate) when analysing sources

understand that a source is only useful if it has relevant content and it is reliable

identify how to plan to answer coursework Q 4.

Starter Activity

Match up the key words with the correct description on your worksheet.

content language inference

reliability tone propaganda

nature of the source

Starter Extension

Look at coursework Question 4 and plan the topics for each paragraph in the boxes. (you choose the number you want to use.)

Compare the Usefulness of Sources D and G in understanding the effects upon the lives of people in Plymouth.

Answers to the Starter Activity

tone the emotion of the source

reliability how trustworthy a source is

content what the source tells you/face value factual information

propaganda producing positive materials to make you think in a certain way

inference what the source suggests / your interpretation of it’s content

language the choice of specific words

nature of the source

the type of source eg. Diary extract, newspaper article

How to Analyse Sources - DIE

When looking at sources for the first time, historians usually use a method called DIE. This stands for:

Describe

Interpret

Evaluate

How to Analyse Sources - DIE

Describe -look at the nature of the source

1. what is it? newspaper, diary, political cartoon, photo, speech …….

2. when was it produced?

Was it during an important event eg, war?

or was it something remembered after an event?

3. who produced it? The government, a

private individual, a company, a newspaper …….

How to Analyse Sources - DIE

Interpret – what does the source tell you / content –

what does it tell you? And how does this help you answer the Q?

what doesn’t it tell you? what factual information is missing?

How to Analyse Sources - DIE

Evaluate – can we trust

the source / is it reliable?

why might we be able to trust it?

does it have any reason to lie? (it helps to look at the description of the source)

look at why it might have been produced – was its purpose to inform / entertain / propaganda

Activity 2

Watch the Video Clip and decide ‘how useful is this source in understanding the effects of bombing on Iraqi people’

You will be asked to make notes in the table on your sheet

Activity 2

Watch the CNN Video Clip and decide ‘how useful is this source in understanding the effects of bombing on Iraqi people’

So how useful do you think this source is…..

Describe Interpret Evaluate

What CNN news report

When At start of Iraq War

Who CNN (US broadcaster)

Strengths video footage as it happens, live image, you can see the explosions and can infer that damage was high.

Weaknesses only shows one part of Baghdad,

Strengths intent is to inform (not propaganda)

Weaknesses

Only what the Iraqi government wanted to be seen. They controlled what was filmed

Activity 3

Look at the football report and decide ‘how useful is this source in understanding the performance of Plymouth Argyle?

Bristol City 1-2 Plymouth

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Carey, Fontaine (Vasko 66), McAllister, Brian Wilson (Sproule 46), Carle, Elliott, McIndoe, Byfield (Trundle 70), Adebola.Subs Not Used: Weale, Murray.

Goals: Trundle 74 pen. Plymouth: Douglas, Connolly, Seip, Anderson, Sawyer, Teale (Abdou

79), Wotton, Clark, Halmosi (Nalis 69), Easter (Mackie 79), Fallon.Subs Not Used: MacLean, Hodges.

Goals: Fallon 45, 59. Att: 19,011. () = players substituted Ref: Tony Bates (Staffordshire).

www.bbc.co.uk / 15.03.08

Activity 3 - Answers

Decide ‘how useful is this source in understanding the performance of Plymouth Argyle?

So how useful do you think this source is…..

Describe Interpret EvaluateWhat match report

When 15.03.08

Who www.BBC.co.uk

Strengths goals scored, subs, players names, referee, attendance

Weaknesses no information on weather, performance eg. Were they lucky?

Strengths

Objective facts, no reason to lie, can be cross-referenced/checked

Weaknesses no feeling/emotion. No eye witness accounts

Bristol City

Plymouth

Argyle

Plenary – preparation for Q4

Coursework Question 4

‘Compare the Usefulness

of Sources D and G in

understanding the

effects upon the lives of

people in Plymouth’.

DEVELOPING YOUR SOURCE ANALYSIS SILLS

Plenary – preparation for Q4

YOUR TASK

Using the knowledge that you have gained from this lesson, use the space below to identify what you need to consider in answering this question.

You might like to draw up a table, or make notes in a different format eg. using a model map or making bullet point notes under headings.

You do not need to make notes yet, just come up with a framework.

Remember – there are 3 steps for each source.

DEVELOPING YOUR SOURCE ANALYSIS SILLS

Lesson Summary

By the end of this lesson we have ….

used the method of DIE (describe, interpret, evaluate) when analysing sources

understood that a source is only useful if it has relevant content and it is reliable

identified how to plan to answer coursework Q 4

Final thought….. Mark scheme

Level 1

(1-2)

Simple statements about usefulness based on content &/or nature of source

Level 2

(3-4)

Developed statements drawing inferences from nature &/or content of sources

Level 3

(5-7)

Developed analysis of strengths and weaknesses using nature &/or content of sources to reach a judgement

Level 4

(8-9)

Developed analysis of strengths and weaknesses using nature &/or content of sources to logical, sustained judgement. Also cross references sources to show the impact and extent of the raids.