It is based off of an already written essay 1. First of all, youll want to figure out what the topic of this essay is. What is the subject and scope of the essay? What time period does it cover (be specific about the years the author is writing about)? 2. Secondly, youll want to read the essay for its main argument and key subpoints. In many ways understanding the argument and key subpoints is the most important aspect of reading any secondary source. As you read the essay, ask – what is the author trying to say about the topic they are writing about? What are the authors main points? Is there one point that stands out as the authors main argument? Is the author making other points that support or flesh out the main argument? 3. Then figure out how the essay is organized. Ask yourself – how is the author developing her/his points one by one through the essay? What does the logical flow of this essay look like? 4. Next, look at the footnotes at the end of the essay. See if you can figure out what types of primary sources the author is using to support the arguments she/he is making. Types of primary sources include: newspapers, government documents, oral histories, memoirs, organizational documents, photographs. 5. Then evaluate the essay. Are you convinced by the authors arguments? How does this secondary source tie into/support/add to what weve been learning in class about the period from 1920-1945? What were the most interesting or surprising things you learned through reading the essay? Do you have additional questions you had wished the author had answered?
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