STAAR US History: Critical Thinking & Writing - Videos & Lessons

About This Chapter

Before you take the STAAR US History test, use the lessons of this chapter to improve your skills analyzing historical text, composing effective arguments and writing good essays.

STAAR US History: Critical Thinking & Writing - Chapter Summary

With these lessons, our professional instructors will be able to help you improve your analytical and essay writing skills. This chapter has been composed to help you prepare for the STAAR US History test by improving your skills in the following:

Differentiating between inductive and deductive reasoning
Assessing the purpose of text and using context to interpret it
Understanding and using historical theories to explain the past
Using different perspectives to evaluate historical events
Inferring intended meanings from literature
Understanding the classification of the cause of historical changes
Writing effective arguments and essays
Using sources of information as evidence to backup arguments

Once you've completed a lesson, review its lesson transcript to reinforce your retention of the information presented in it. Test your knowledge of the topics by taking the lesson quizzes, and when you discover topics you don't understand, use the video tags to return to and review the parts of the lessons that explained them.

10 Lessons in Chapter 34: STAAR US History: Critical Thinking & Writing

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1. Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning: Differences & Examples

This lesson explores the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in the form of psychological experiments. In addition to defining these terms, the lesson gives examples to explain how this reasoning is applied.

2. How to Analyze the Purpose of a Text

In this lesson, we will learn how to analyze the purpose of a text. We will explore some of the primary purposes and practice determining purpose using some writing samples.

3. Interpreting Works in Context

In this lesson, we will learn how to interpret a written work in its context. We will explore the historical context, biographical context, context of language and form, and context of the reader.

4. How Historical Theories Affect Interpretations of the Past

Unlike scientists looking for a theory of everything, historians know that there are many different theories to explain the past. This lesson shows how different theories work together to help provide historians with the best view possible.

5. Evaluating Major Historical Issues & Events From Diverse Perspectives

Ever watched a football game with someone who was cheering for the other team and disagreed on the validity of a call? Then you've encountered the same problem historians find with diverse perspectives.

6. What is Inference? - How to Infer Intended Meaning

In this lesson, we will define the terms inference and intended meaning. We will then discuss what steps to take when making inferences in literature.

7. Historical Change: Causes and Effects

In this lesson, we will examine historical change. We will learn what factors contribute to historical change and see how historical change is perceived through different classifications.

8. How to Write a Great Argument

Many times our writing must not just be informative but it must also be persuasive. One of the best ways to be very persuasive is to use a great argument. Learn six steps you can follow to write a great argument.

9. How to Write a Great Essay Quickly

Many tests will require you to write a timed essay. You may feel panicked at the idea of having to produce a high-quality essay under a tight time constraint. But you can relax: this video shows you four basic steps to follow so that you can write a great essay quickly.

10. How to Use Sources to Write Essays and Evaluate Evidence

When writing an essay, you will often be asked to utilize appropriate sources for evidence, including facts and definitions. In this video, we will talk about the ways we can utilize and evaluate sources and evidence.

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Practice Final Exam

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Description

Summary:

Visit the STAAR U.S. History: Test Prep & Practice page to learn more.

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