Ask an NEH Expert: Building an Argument

These questions can be used before viewing the video to brainstorm ideas and review the concepts discussed in the interview, or after watching as a way to reflect on the interview.

1. What is a primary source? A secondary source?
2. What is the difference between description and analysis?
3. What makes a strong thesis statement?
4. What does it mean to support a claim with evidence? What are some ways to incorporate evidence into a paper? A presentation? A video?

1. What should we keep in mind when we design and revise research questions? What are the components of a good research question? (2:25)
2. What is a historical argument? (5:30)
3. How can a historical argument make two projects about the same topic different? (7:55)
4. How do you go about crafting your argument and carrying it through the project? (9:00)
5. How do you use historical evidence to support your argument? What role do primary sources play? (11:45)
6. How do you create a conclusion that is more than just a restatement of the introduction? (16:30)