Document Analysis Paper Using the OPVL Technique

OPVL Writing Guide

Paragraph 1 - Address the following in the first paragraph.

ORIGINof the document

• What type of document is it?

• When and where was it produced?

• Who produced it?

PURPOSE of the document

• Who was the intended audience?

• For what purposes was it written?

Paragraph(s) 2 -3- Address the following topic in the next 1-2 paragraphs;

VALUE– In one or two well-written paragraph(s) explain the value of the document for historians. Provide specific evidence from the document to support your answers. A minimum of two values must be proven.

• With reference to the origin and purpose, what is the value of the document for historians studying this event?

Paragraph(s) 4-5- Address the following in the next 1-2 paragraphs.

LIMITATIONS– In one or two well-written paragraph(s) explain the limitations of the document. Remember to make specific references to the document in your response. A minimum of two limitations must be proven.

Address the following…

• With reference to the origin and purpose, what are the limitations of the document for historians studying this event?

OPVL Grading Rubric – 10 POINTS TOTAL

Category /

3 Exemplary

/ 2 Adequate / 1 Minimal / 0 Attempt

Origin

Who What When Where / (Either you got it right……. / ……………..or you didn’t) / Response is lacking or completely inaccurate and/or irrelevant
Purpose
Why / Demonstrates strong understanding of author and/or time period and purpose for various types of primary sources / Demonstrates some understanding of author and/or time period or purpose for various types of primary sources / Response is lacking or completely inaccurate and/or irrelevant
Value
For a historian studying… / Offers a valid response with two or more accurate and relevant values of the document / Offers a valid response with two or more insights that are somewhat accurate or relevant to the value of the document / Offers a response with one or more insights that may be inaccurate or irrelevant to the value of the document / Response is lacking or completely inaccurate and/or irrelevant to the value of the document
Limitation
For a historian studying… / Offers a valid response with two or more accurate and relevant limitations of the document / Offers a valid response with two or more insights that are somewhat accurate or relevant to the limitations of the document / Offers a response with one or more insights that may be inaccurate or irrelevant to the limitations of the document / Response is lacking or completely inaccurate and/or irrelevant to the limitations of the document