Exciting news: I’ve qualified for the state competition of National History Day in Florida, where I’ll be presenting my paper on comfort women in Tallahassee! I’m aiming to advance to nationals, and while I know it’s a tough challenge, I would greatly appreciate any advice from anyone who’s been to nationals or knows someone who has. The feedback I received suggested I include more diverse sources and incorporate additional primary sources. I’m eager to elevate my paper to the next level, but I’m unsure how to do that. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I made it to states for national history day competition and need advice
Congratulations on making it to the state level for the National History Day competition! That’s a fantastic achievement, and your topic on comfort women is both important and impactful. Here are some tips to help strengthen your paper and increase your chances of advancing to nationals:
Diverse Sources: Aim for a mix of primary and secondary sources. Look for interviews, diaries, letters, or official documents related to comfort women. These can provide unique perspectives and evidence for your arguments. Consider reaching out to historians or experts in the field for insights or even unpublished material.
Critical Analysis: Make sure to analyze your sources critically. Discuss their perspectives, potential biases, and the context in which they were created. This shows depth in your understanding and strengthens your argument.
Thematic Organization: Organize your paper thematically instead of chronologically. This can help emphasize key points and show how different aspects of your topic are interconnected.
Incorporate Visuals: If permitted, consider adding visuals like maps, photographs, or charts to complement your paper. Visual aids can help illustrate your points and make your argument more compelling.
Engage with Historiography: Discuss how the understanding of comfort women has evolved over time. This can include debates among historians and shifts in public perception. It demonstrates your engagement with the existing scholarship.
Practice Your Presentation: If you’ll present your paper, practice your delivery. Work on your public speaking skills, and be prepared to answer questions about your research. Clarity and confidence can make a big difference.
Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, mentors, or peers for feedback. They might offer valuable insights and suggestions that you haven’t considered.
Stay Passionate: Show your passion for the topic. A compelling narrative and emotional connection can captivate judges and make your paper memorable.
Good luck in Tallahassee! You’ve got this!