Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

Which of the following activities should a teacher incorporate to help students compare and contrast political viewpoints of the Civil War?

1. Write a procedural text outlining the political events

2. Assign groups in the classroom a political issue to study and present

3. Research the Civil War on the Internet

4. Use a Venn diagram to distinguish the viewpoints of the two sides

The correct answer is: Use a Venn diagram to distinguish the viewpoints of the two sides

Using a Venn diagram to distinguish the viewpoints of the two sides is an effective strategy for helping students compare and contrast political viewpoints during the Civil War. A Venn diagram visually displays the similarities and differences between two concepts, which in this case are the political stances of the Union and the Confederacy. By mapping out these viewpoints, students can clearly see how each side approached issues such as states’ rights, slavery, and economic policies. This activity encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding by allowing students to systematically analyze and categorize information, leading to richer discussions about the underlying causes and consequences of the Civil War. The other activities, while constructive in their own right, do not specifically focus on the compare and contrast aspect as effectively. Writing a procedural text may help students understand the sequence of events, but it lacks a direct emphasis on comparing viewpoints. Assigning groups to study a political issue could foster collaboration and exploration, but it may not provide a unified method for examining both sides concurrently. Researching the Civil War on the Internet can help students gather information, yet it does not inherently require them to engage in the comparative analysis that a Venn diagram offers.