The Essay Question The Basics of Writing a Successful AP Essay

Types of Essay Questions Document Based Question (DBQ) Based on eight to ten primary sources plus outside knowledge Free – Response Question (FRQ) Four questions = Two pre-1870 (select one) = Two Post 1870 (select one)

What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? Answer the question Begin with a strong thesis Follow a reasonable outline The less confusing the better for the reader Be straightforward Readers are experts in history (don’t try to fool them)

What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? Focus on the question Make sure you answer the question being asked More that just facts – although important Reveal an understanding of the general principles – good analysis Big picture of American History

What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? Weave and understanding of content with analysis Originality of thought Interpretative history

What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? Summed Up Express good ideas Present valid evidence to support those ideas Strong developed thesis Quality of historical argument Each essay is only read for about two minutes

Things That Make Any Essay Better Two Components Plan what your are going to write Use effective writing techniques = Better organized = Better thought out = Better written

Before You Start Writing Read the question carefully Brainstorm for a couple of minutes Write facts, concepts and/or ideas that come to mind Decide on your thesis (point of argument) Organize information to fit thesis

Before You Start Writing Aim for five paragraphs (although not an absolute) Paragraph 1: Introduction Thesis Summary of three basic argument Paragraphs 2 – 4: Body Three arguments that support the thesis Historical evidence Paragraph 5: Conclusion Conclusion and wrap up Restate thesis

Types of Arguments Three Good Points The Chronological Argument Similarities and Differences The “Watchdog” Argument

Arguments Continued Organize essay First paragraph – addresses the question and states how you are going to answer it (Thesis) Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 – organized around a single argument by evidence thesis Paragraph 5 – Ties the essay into a neat package. Answer the question here!!!

Writing Guidelines Keep sentences as simple as possible Throw in a few big words but don’t over do it Write clearly and neatly Define your terms Use transitions words to show where you are going

Writing Guidelines Continued Use structural indicators to organize your paragraphs Stick to you outline Try to prove one big picture idea per paragraph Evidence, evidence, evidence Make sure the first and last paragraphs directly answer the question

Summary Answer the entire question Brainstorm, choose a thesis, develop an outline Follow your outline One important idea per paragraph Evidence, Evidence, Evidence Write clearly, neatly and to the point

Three Good Points Simplest strategy From brainstorming select three best points Each point the subject of a paragraph Save strongest point for last Topic sentence – then support Opening paragraph – what you intend to argue Final paragraph – what you have proven

The Chronological Argument Certain questions lend themselves to this Transitions between paragraphs essential Paragraph two leads to paragraph three which leads to paragraph four Opening paragraph sets the path Closing paragraph restate essay question and answer it

Similarities and Differences I Comparison questions Start by setting a historical scene Each paragraph building an issue Last paragraph comparing and contrasting issues

Similarities and Differences II Question my provide options Comparing political philosophies of two presidents Thesis states the essential differences between their philosophies One paragraph to each philosophy Fourth paragraph – major differences and similarities Final paragraph – draw conclusions

Similarities and Differences III Start with a thesis Discuss three pertinent issues Each president’s view Final paragraph – overview of your argument

The “Watchdog” Argument Choose arguments opposite of yours State their arguments, then tear them down You do not have to prove you are correct Paragraph 2 - Summarize your opponent’s arguments in Paragraph 3 – Search and destroy their arguments Paragraph 4 – your argument Showing both sides demonstrates you understand history is complex