What are the Big Four? - ANSWER 1. Historical causation
2. Patterns of continuity and change over time
3. Periodization
4. Compare and contrast
Characteristics of historical causation - ANSWER the ability to identify, analyze and
evaluate multiple cause and effect relationships in historical context
Characteristics of patterns of continuity and change over time - ANSWER ability to rec-
ognize, analyze and evaluate the dynamics of historical continuity and change over periods
of time varying lengths, and relate these patters to larger historical themes
Characteristics of periodization - ANSWER ability to identify turning points, recogniz-
ing that the choice of specific dates favors one narrative over another; changing periodiza-
tion can change a historical narrative
Characteristics of compare and contrast - ANSWER ability to describe, compare and
evaluate multiple historical developments within one society, across different societies, and
in various chronological/geographic contexts
Thesis formula - ANSWER Although X, Y because ABC.
X= strongest point against your argument
Y=the position you will be taking or your stand on the prompt
ABC=the three strongest points for your argument
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2. Patterns of continuity and change over time
3. Periodization
4. Compare and contrast
Characteristics of historical causation - ANSWER the ability to identify, analyze and
evaluate multiple cause and effect relationships in historical context
Characteristics of patterns of continuity and change over time - ANSWER ability to rec-
ognize, analyze and evaluate the dynamics of historical continuity and change over periods
of time varying lengths, and relate these patters to larger historical themes
Characteristics of periodization - ANSWER ability to identify turning points, recogniz-
ing that the choice of specific dates favors one narrative over another; changing periodiza-
tion can change a historical narrative
Characteristics of compare and contrast - ANSWER ability to describe, compare and
evaluate multiple historical developments within one society, across different societies, and
in various chronological/geographic contexts
Thesis formula - ANSWER Although X, Y because ABC.
X= strongest point against your argument
Y=the position you will be taking or your stand on the prompt
ABC=the three strongest points for your argument
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