Social Studies 10-1/20-1/30-1
Suggestions for SBQ Writing
Paragraphs 1, 2, 3: Source one/two/three

Interpret the Source
o What do you see or what is it saying?

For Visuals: Do NOT just describe a visual – only discuss the details
that will further the interpretation. What is the main message? What
point is the author making with the visual?

For Text: Do NOT just copy what the source says – paraphrase for
meaning and interpretation. What is the main message? What point is
the author making with this quote? Use short phrases of the text if
needed for the interpretation.

Identify the Perspective by considering the source as a whole
o What is the speaker’s/author’s/artist’s/ photographer’s perspective?

Identify links to Globalization/Nationalism/Principles of Liberalism – Don’t Forget!!
o Explain any links to globalization/nationalism/principles of liberalism evident in
the source.
o Explain ideas that support or reject globalization/nationalism/principles of
liberalism.

Provide Evidence and Develop Ideas
o How do you know this?
o What, in the source, helped you form your conclusion?
Paragraph 4: Analyze Relationships

Describe at least one relationship AMONG the sources
o
o

Describe relationships BETWEEN the sources
o
o
o

What issue, topic, ideology links ALL the sources?
Do the sources address POLITICAL or ECONOMICAL aspects of globalization/
nationalism/principles of liberalism, or both?
Identify and explain similarities between the sources
(COMPARE)
Identify and explain differences between the sources.
(CONTRAST)
Does information in one source support or refute that in another?
Provide evidence
o
o
How do you know this?
What, in the sources, helped you form your conclusions?
Helpful Hints:
 FORMAT:

o
o
Must be written in paragraph form (Not point form!!)
Clearly identify which source you are discussing
 Ex) In Source 1, the author….
 Ex) The authors of Source 2 and Source 3 both support……
o
You can imbed your analysis of relationships in a holistic manner, rather than a
linear response:
 You can organize your response with an introduction that identifies some
relationships, three paragraphs interpreting the sources, followed by a
conclusion that identifies and develops the relationship identified in the
introduction. You may also analyze relationships between the sources
throughout your response.
CONTENT:
o
o
o
o

Do not provide your opinion or position on the perspectives reflected in the
sources. (Not a position paper!!)
You are not required to bring in “case studies” (outside examples)
 You can link globalization/nationalism/principles of liberalism in the
source to relevant thinkers, leaders, events, etc. to explain your
interpretation(s).
Ensure that you analyze relationships among and between All three sources. (Do
not forget one!)
The analysis of relationships is weighted very heavily, so devote enough time to
developing your ideas for this task.
 Most students do not budget or spend enough time on this task.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
o
Suggested time is 45-60 minutes