WRITING SKILLS FOR AP US HISTORY

Types of Questions There are 3 types of written responses on this exam but you’re writing 6 TOTAL: Short-answer questions (20%) 4 50 minutes DBQ (Document-based question) (25%) 1 55 minutes LEQ (Long essay question) (15%) Given 2, pick 1 (One 1st half and one 2nd half of history) 35 minutes

Short Answer ALL FOUR QUESTIONS will require students to use historical thinking skills to respond to: A primary source A historian’s argument Nontextual sources such as a map or data General propositions about US history You can draw material from either from the source OR classroom instruction 2-3 sentences Multiple part format so LABEL YOUR ANSWERS!!!

Short Answer Stimulus based or non-stimulus based STAY INSIDE THE BOX! ~10 minutes each – 50 minutes There will be 3 parts: A, B, C LABEL your answers!!!!!!!!!!!! READ THE QUESTIONS BEFORE ANSWERING!!!!

Example

Document-based question (DBQ) An essay question that requires you to interpret primary source documents Vary in length and format Documents might include the following: Newspaper articles/editorials Letters/diaries Speeches Legislation Political cartoons Charts and graphs

Your job! Analyze and synthesize historical data and to assess verbal, quantitative, or visual materials as historical evidence Relate the documents together when applicable AND (and this is crucial) relate the documents to your extensive outside knowledge!!! SHOW ME YOU KNOW THINGS!!! COMPARE and CONTRAST They will present opposing arguments, DUH! Provide a THESIS – a really, really, really good one

What is a Thesis Statement? Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under consideration What your argument IS Tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper MOST IMPORTANTLY: Answers the question asked of you It is NOT a restatement of the question!

Analysis Examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation You do this with the documents when you USE HIPPO You have to use ALL of the documents in your writing OR leave just ONE out

DBQ Format INTRODUCTION SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed) CONCLUSION So what? Coming attraction (like in MARVEL movies) SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed) SFI – Specific Factual Information derived from documents Remember to PAAC Analysis of SFI (“because…”) INTRODUCTION Always begin with what already happened THESIS!!!!!!! 7 point rubric Thesis = 1 point Analysis of historical evidence and support = 4 points Contextualization = 1 point Synthesis = 1 point

Long essay question (LEQ) You pick from 2 options – don’t answer BOTH Measures the use of historical thinking skills to explain and analyze significant issues in US history Same format as the DBQ but NO documents! It’s ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE, so you better know stuff!

LEQ Format INTRODUCTION SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed) CONCLUSION So what? Coming attraction SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed) SFI – Specific Factual Information derived from YOUR KNOWLEDGE Analysis of SFI (“because…”) INTRODUCTION Always begin with what already happened THESIS!!!!!!! 6 point rubric Thesis = 1 point Support for argument = 2 points Application of targeted historical thinking skills = 2 points Synthesis = 1 point

As You Write the Body Paragraphs… Be certain you understand the question and fully attempt to answer it Use FACTS to support your THESIS/ARGUMENT Load up essay with facts Use past tense consistently – HISTORY already happened; but analysis is present tense i.e. Thomas Jefferson CREATED the Embargo Act. This ILLUSTRATES… Explain why (SO WHAT) a fact is important Make connections to your THESIS/ARGUMENT

ALWAYS Use thoughtful language Use accurate information In a DBQ – use all the documents WRITE A STRONG, DEVELOPED THESIS Write a conclusion with synthesis ANSWER THE FREAKING QUESTION!!! Proofread

NEVER! Write your opinion Quote the documents – they’re right there! Use pencil Use first or second person Use vague language

6 point rubric Thesis = 1 point Support for argument = 2 points Application of targeted historical thinking skills = 2 points Synthesis = 1 point