Tips for Writing an Essay on the AP US History Exam

  • Upload
    kalea

  • View
    37

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Tips for Writing an Essay on the AP US History Exam. General Pointers. Be persuasive, convince the reader that your answer is correct Take a stand, have an opinion, don’t be timid Avoid fragmented sentences & run-ons Avoid slang and informal language - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Citation preview

  • Tips for Writing an Essay on the AP US History Exam

  • General PointersBe persuasive, convince the reader that your answer is correctTake a stand, have an opinion, dont be timidAvoid fragmented sentences & run-onsAvoid slang and informal languageAvoid using first person; I, my, we, & ourEssays must be written in black or dark blue ink

  • General PointersDont waste time with white out, instead cross out words or sentencesWrite legibly in fairly large sized lettersThe average reader spends only a few minutes on each essay. Your goal is to distinguish your essay from mediocrity in the 1st paragraph.

  • Understanding the Essay PromptAll AP essays are written in response to a promptUnderstanding what this prompt is asking you to do is very importantRead the WHOLE prompt, every word; dont be in a hurryExamine the VERB in the prompt. It tells you what you must doCommonly used verb phrases: analyze, evaluate, assess the validity, compare and contrast, discuss or consider

  • Understanding the Essay PromptCarefully observe any NUMBERS in the questionObserve the GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIESCenter your answer within the TIME FRAMEUSE THE CATEGORIES given in the questionSocial, economic, political, cultural, religious, geographical, etc.Announce the categories in your thesis & then write a paragraph about each

  • Sample PromptsAnalyze the effect of the French and Indian War and its aftermath on the relationship between Great Britain and the British colonies. Confine your response to the period from 1754 to 1776.

    Compare & contrast United States foreign policy after the First World War and after the Second World War. Consider the periods 1919-1928 and 1945-1950.

  • Sample PromptsAnalyze the origins and outcomes of the intense cultural conflicts of the 1920s. In your response, focus on TWO of the following. Immigration Prohibition Religion

    Compare and contrast the Cold War foreign policies of TWO of the following presidents. Harry Truman (19451953) Dwight Eisenhower (19531961) Richard Nixon (19691974)

  • Create an outlineAfter you understand the task at hand, create a brief outlineThis maybe a chart, diagram, outline, or list, but do not skip this stepOrganize your thinking so that you cover all of the material you need to cover in order to address the prompt completelyYou are advised to spend 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes writing

  • Writing a thesisA clear thesis is essential to a solid score, it is the most important sentence in your essayA thesis sentence is a single declaratory sentence that answers the prompt with a clearly and simply stated opinion that does not restate the prompt.Do nor rewrite or restate the question/promptA good thesis shows that the writer is going to answer all parts of the question within the boundaries of the question

  • Writing a thesisSlavery was the principal cause of the U.S. Civil War. Assess the validity of this statement.GoodAlthough slavery was a significant factor in the coming of the Civil War, the primary causes were the political, economic, and moral implications of the extension of slavery to the territories.BadSlavery was the principal cause of the Civil WarUglyThe Civil War had many causes.

  • Writing a thesisIt may be helpful to answer the prompt in a single sentence in order to help establish your thesis

    Use this prompt to try:

    How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in the period from 1875 to 1900? Analyze the factors that contributed to the level of success achieved.

  • Writing a thesisConcept Thesis vs. Organizational ThesisConcept thesis examples:Although this was a period of intense labor pressure, unions failed to make the lives and status of workers better.Although this period saw increased labor involvement, state and federal government antagonism kept unions from being effective.This type of statement acknowledges that the question is complex

  • Writing a thesisOrganizational thesis examples:Labor unions failed because they were confused in their goals and were aggressively opposed by both state and federal governments.Organized labor unions were successful because they were not unified in their demands and were associated with radical European groupsThese statements specifically mention what the topics of the body of your essay will be

  • Creating an introductionAvoid fluffy statementsIts OK if your intro is only 2-3 sentencesIdeally your first sentence is the thesis

  • The BodyEssays often fall short b/c they lack facts, support your thesis w/ FACTSIt is wise to show more than one side of an argument (although thesis statements)Showing exceptions demonstrates analysis & critical thinkingWrite down your most factually supported ideas in your 2nd & 3rd paragraphs in case you run out of time

  • The BodyThings to Avoid:RepetitivenessWordinessMush: vague generalities unsupported by factsFacts that do not pertain to the question/promptTelling a narrative

  • What are graders looking for?Thesis StatementFacts (outside info for DBQs)AnalysisDid you show that you understood the question?Did you make reasonable, logical arguments?SynthesisDid you put your facts & reasoning together & make reasonable inferences & conclusions?

  • ETC.Multiple Choice Questions=50% of grade80 Qs in 55 minutesEssay Exams=50% of grade1 DBQ in 45 minutes2 Free Response Essays (choose one of two twice), 35 minutes each