A concept in history is best understood by creating a visual representation, such as a mind map, comparison table, arrow diagram or timeline. As you read the text, look for connections between the facts:

1. Which events form a chronological story?
   Look for time expressions and expressions indicating different phases: first, second, then, before, after, next, finally, in conclusion.
   
2. What is the cause and what is the effect?
   it resulted in—, as a consequence—, due to this—, the outcome is—, thus—;
   affect, effect; follow, consequence; cause; be caused by; condition, require; lead to; due to
   • Notice how the meaning of a verb changes:
     The war was due to a food shortage (cause). – The war led to a food shortage (effect).
     The war caused a food shortage (cause). – The war was caused by a food shortage (effect).”
     
3. Which things are being compared?
   
4. What is justified and how?
   therefore, for that reason, because of—