More than one answer may be correct in some of the examples or exercises you will see. Also, all the answers might not be listed.
A continuity is something that barely or never changes over time. So this element stays stable throughout the period studied.
Indicate a continuity between the two images.
A continuity is that the name of the country remains the same.
A change is something that varies over time. Change can occur at different rates in different cases. Some changes happen quickly, while others happen more slowly.
Indicate a change between the two images.
One element is that Canada’s borders have changed.
You can encounter this intellectual operation in two main forms. You could either be asked to indicate a change or a continuity in relation to a historical reality, or you could be asked to indicate whether the documents you are presented with show a change or continuity, and to justify your choice. Here are some concrete examples of tasks you might encounter.
When we talk about a historical reality that is transforming, we are talking about a change.
When we talk about a historical reality that stays the same, we are talking about continuity.
Using the following documents, state one change in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance.
In this case, the following two elements could be observed.
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A change in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance is the length of his hair.
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A change in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance is the length of his beard.
Sometimes you will only have one document to rely on. In this case, you will have to determine the change using what you know.
Click on the example if you want more details.
Using the following document, indicate a physical change between a puppy and an adult dog.
One physical change between a puppy and an adult dog is its size.
Using the following documents, state one continuity in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance.
In this case, the following two elements could be observed.
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A continuity in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance is the colour of his hair.
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A continuity in Chris Hemsworth’s physical appearance is the colour of his eyes.
Sometimes you will only have one document to rely on. In this case, you will have to determine the continuity using what you know.
Click on the example if you want more details.
Using the following document, indicate a physical continuity between a puppy and an adult dog.
A physical continuity between a puppy and a dog is its colour.
Using the following documents, indicate whether there is continuity or change in the division of the territory. Justify your answer.
Data source: Monot, Alexandra, and collab. Atlas géopolitique. Les enjeux du monde contemporain, 2017, p. 25.
There is a change in the division of the territory between 1914 and today, because the borders are not all the same. For example, today’s Russia is smaller than in 1914 (USSR).
Data source: Monot, Alexandra, and collab. Atlas géopolitique. Les enjeux du monde contemporain, 2017, p. 25.
It is highly recommended that you read the concept sheet on intellectual operations to fully understand how to complete the tasks for the different intellectual operations.
The two examples below are similar to what you might see on an exam. Try to complete the task before looking at the detailed solution. This will help you to see how well you can do the intellectual operations.
The two examples below are related to concepts that you might not have seen before. If so, don’t worry, you’ll learn them when they are introduced in class.
The example for Cycle One (Secondary 1) is from the unit The Emergence of a Civilization.
The example for Cycle Two (Secondary 4) is from the unit The Formation of the Canadian Federal System (1840-1896).
Statement: Using documents 1 and 2, identify a change in writing in Mesopotamia.
Source: Mbzt, 2013.
Tablet from the Palace of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Assyria.
Source: IR Stone, Shutterstock.com
Statement: Using documents 1 and 2, identify a change in writing in Mesopotamia.
What must I do? Indicate
Must I indicate a change or a continuity? A change
Subject: Writing in Mesopotamia
Source: Mbzt, 2013.
Who What When Where Why (The 5 W)
| Who? |
|---|
| The Mesopotamians |
| You know that writing was born in Mesopotamia, so you can infer that the inhabitants of Mesopotamia fit the “who?” component. However, it is difficult to be more specific since it is not known exactly from which city-state this artifact comes. |
| What? |
| Pictograms |
| The tablet contains different drawings that have been organized and classified. These are pictograms (simple and representative drawings of a wheel or a plant, for example). You know that before cuneiform writing, the Mesopotamians used pictographs to represent the information they wanted to share. |
| When? |
| Around 3500 BC |
| You know that the transition from prehistory to history was marked by the birth of writing. |
| Where? |
| In Mesopotamia |
| You know that this is where the first forms of writing were born. |
| Why? |
| - |
| The document does not identify the “why?” component. |
The historical phrase
This is a tablet that shows pictograms in Mesopotamia around 3500 BC.
In this document, only the “what?” component is indicated since it is the element presented by the image. The other items must be found using what you know. You then apply this knowledge as you analyze the document.
Tablet from the Palace of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Assyria.
Source : IR Stone, Shutterstock.com
Who What When Where Why (The 5 W)
| Who? |
|---|
| The Assyrians |
| You can infer that it was probably written by them since the tablet was found in the Assyrian region. |
| What? |
| Cuneiform writing |
| Using your knowledge, you can recognize cuneiform writing. |
| When? |
| After 3300 BC |
| You know that the first traces of cuneiform writing date back to then, so it cannot be before then. |
| Where? |
| In Nineveh in Assyria |
| The information is in the document description. |
| Why? |
| - |
| The document does not identify the “why?” component. |
The historical phrase
It is a tablet that contains cuneiform writing in Nineveh after 3300 BC.
In this document, only the “where?” element is clearly indicated. The other items must be found using what you know. You then apply this knowledge as you analyze the document.
I know that Mesopotamian traders used drawings to facilitate trade.
I know that cuneiform writing is made up of wedge-shaped symbols.
Answer: In Mesopotamia, one change in writing is that it moves from a pictographic (picture) form to a phonetic (sound) form.
Phonetic writing is represented by cuneiform.
To find out more about the birth of writing in Mesopotamia, see the concept sheet The Birth of Writing.
Statement: Using Document 1, identify a change between the first and second phases of industrialization in Quebec.
Source: Beauharnois Construction Co [Photograph], Compagnie aérienne franco-canadienne, (URL).
Statement: Using Document 1, identify a change between the first and second phases of industrialization in Quebec.
What must I do? Indicate
Must I indicate a change or a continuity? A change
Subject: The two phases of industrialization in Quebec
Source: Beauharnois Construction Co [Photograph], Compagnie aérienne franco-canadienne, (URL).
Who What When Where Why (The 5 W)
| Who? |
|---|
| - |
| This document does not give information on the “who?” component. |
| What? |
| A hydroelectric plant |
| This information can be found in the image title. |
| When? |
| In 1932 |
| This information can be found in the image title. |
| Where? |
| - |
| This document does not provide information on the “where?” component. |
| Why? |
| - |
| The document does not identify the “why?” component. |
The historical phrase
This is an image that shows a hydroelectric power plant in 1932.
I know that the second phase of industrialization began in the late 1890s and gained momentum during the 20th century.
I know that between 1898 and 1929, several hydroelectric dams were built throughout Quebec.
I know that during the first phase of industrialization, electricity was not used as an energy source.
Answer: One change between the first phase of industrialization and the second phase of industrialization is the use of hydroelectricity as an energy source.
If you need more information on the second phase of industrialization, see the concept sheet The Second Phase of Industrialization: New Industries.
Compagnie aérienne franco-canadienne. (Novembre 1930 - janvier 1931). Beauharnois Construction Co [Photographie]. BAnQ. https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/details/52327/3109480?docref=1z0VPwIsaPmTiR1SS7r0-g
Mbzt. (2013). Tablette à écriture précunéiforme [Photographie]. Wikimedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P1150884_Louvre_Uruk_III_tablette_%C3%A9criture_pr%C3%A9cun%C3%A9iforme_AO19936_rwk.jpg
