United States History Student Edition

Historians often compare and contrast ideas, events, and artifacts. For example, it is important for people who study United States history to be able to understand the differences between a traditional Cherokee dwelling (left) and one that was built in Indian Territory.

beginning of their presentation and then provide supporting details and examples. Repeating the main idea throughout the speech keeps the audience focused on it. Categorizing Understanding large quantities of information can be frustrating. It is easier, however, if you are able to organize the information into categories , or groups. When we categorize, we group together items that share similar characteristics, or traits. For example, department stores categorize items based on their uses. Shoes and boots are located in the footwear department, while music players and speakers are found in the electronics department. Follow these steps to help you categorize information: 1.  As you read about a topic, look for items that have similar characteristics. List these items in separate columns. 2.  Label these categories with appropriate headings. 3.  Add facts to the categories as you continue reading. 4.  Review the categories. If necessary, divide the categories into additional categories or combine categories that are similar. Comparing and Contrasting Another skill you need to understand history is the ability to compare and contrast. To make a comparison , look for similarities among ideas or objects. You can also examine contrasts — qualities that make each of the ideas or objects different from one another or unique. When you category a group of items with shared traits comparison the act of analyzing by looking at similarities

know how to compare and contrast, you can identify examples of continuity and change in a society. You can also more clearly see the shared and unique characteristics of two societies from the same period. To compare and contrast, examine the text, images, or other items and follow these steps: 1.  Determine what aspects or features you are comparing or contrasting. For example, you might compare or contrast two sources about the same event. 2. Look for similarities between the items. 3.  Look for differences that set the items apart from each other. Making Generalizations If you say, “We have a good soccer team,” you are making a generalization , or overall statement that applies to the entire group. If you say that the team has not lost a game this season, you are providing evidence to support your generalization. When studying history, it is often useful to put together pieces of information—supporting statements—to make a generalization. In some cases, authors provide only supporting statements, and you will need to make a generalization on your own. To make a generalization, follow these steps: 1.  Identify the subject matter, and gather facts and examples related to it. 2.  Identify similarities or patterns among these facts. 3.  Use these similarities or patterns to create general ideas about the subject. contrast the act of analyzing by looking at differences generalization an overall statement applying to a group of people, events, or ideas

(l)marek kasula/Alamy Stock Photo; (r)Carol Barrington/Alamy Stock Photo

Historian’s Toolkit HT21