SKILLBUILDERHANDBOOKR9
2.1 Categorizing
CATEGORIZING means organizing similar kinds of information into groups. Historians
categorize information to help them identify and understand historical patterns.
Understanding the Skill
STRATEGY: DECIDE WHAT INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE CATEGORIZED.The
following passage describes India’s Taj Mahal, a memorial built by a Mughal
ruler. As you read, look for facts and details that are closely related. Then choose
appropriate categories.
STRATEGY: MAKE A CHART.
Applying the Skill
MAKE YOUR OWN CHART. Turn to Chapter 22, page 637. Read “New Artistic
Styles.” Decide what categories you will use to organize the information. Then make
a chart, like the one above, that organizes the information in the passage into the
categories you have chosen.
Section 2: Higher-Order Critical Thinking
Look at topic sentences for
clues to defining categories.
Look at the type of informa-
tion each paragraph contains.
A paragraph often contains similar
kinds of information.
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Add a title.
Sort information into the
categories you have chosen.
Make one column for each
category.
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Building the Taj Mahal
Some 20,000 workers labored for 22 years to build the famous tomb. It is made of white
marble brought from 250 miles away. The minaret towers are about 130 feet high. The building
itself is 186 feet square.
The design of the building is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The pointed arches are
of Muslim design, and the perforated marble windows and doors are typical of a style found
in Hindu temples.
The inside of the building is a glittering garden of thousands of carved marble flowers inlaid
with tiny precious stones. One tiny flower, one inch square, had 60 different inlays.
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- 20,000 workers
- 22 years to complete
- Minaret towers: 130
feet high - Building: 186 feet
- Made of white marble
- Pointed arches (Muslim
influence) - Perforated marble
windows and doors
(Hindu influence) - Interior: thousands of
carved marble flowers
inlaid with precious stones
- Minaret towers: 130
Labor Dimensions Design features