MEH AP ESSAY EXPECTATIONS

Thesis Statement: Answers the Question Sets up what the Essay is going to prove Does not simply restate the question

Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France?

Example of an “A” thesis: In Europe during the 1600s France and England emerged with two opposite types of government, absolute and limited monarchies respectively, as a result of various political conditions.

Example of a B thesis: (grade lower because of awkward section) During the seventeenth century different parts of government have had a great deal of power that was increased through various means, including the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France.

Example of a C thesis: (reworded the question) From 1600 – 1699 political differences in England and France resulted in more power to the Parliament and Monarch.

Introductory Paragraph Has a strong thesis Has strong organizational evidence (Sets up three points of proof) Contains background information – sets up person and time period

Background Information Strong Organization Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Strong Thesis Background Information Strong Organization Example of an “A” Introduction: England’s constitutional monarchy under the Bill of Rights and France’s absolute leadership by divine right strengthened the Parliament in England as well as the influence of the French Monarch. While England’s parliament continued to gain power by limiting the p0wer of the monarch, King Louis XIV of France eliminated the interference of nobility to have complete control over political affairs. Through political strategy, internal dissention, and religion, England and France were able to stabilize their governments and acquire more power during the 17th century.

Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Good Thesis (a little awkward) Background (should discuss Magna Carta) Strong Organization Example of a “B” Introduction: During the seventeenth century different parts of governments have had a great deal of power that was increased through various means, including the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France. The Parliament of England was made up of the sections, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Together they held power in the English Government. During the 1600s King Louis XIV ruled over France for more than half the century. The increase in power for the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France was due to a need for stability, the effects of absolutism, and the religious struggles of the nations.

Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Thesis (rewords the question) Background (too vague, should include Louis XIV, Glorious Rev.) Organization Example of a “C” Intro: From 1600-1699 political differences in England and France resulted in more power to the Parliament and Monarch. In England, the Parliament went against the King and nobles. In France, the monarch took power away from the nobles, but let them keep their privileges. However, in both countries, the main goal was to achieve an absolute monarchy. Political conditions that strengthened the Parliament and the Monarch were Internal disputes, shifting of social classes, and economic power.

Body Paragraphs Topic Sentence Contains adequate accurate and relevant supporting evidence Summary Sentence – explains how the paragraph proved the thesis

Example of an “A” Paragraph: Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Topic Sentence Supporting Evidence Summary Sentence Example of an “A” Paragraph: The English Parliament and French Monarch were both able to gain power by strategically limiting the power of other officials in the government. Parliament had William an Mary sign the Declaration of Right, which later became the Bill of Rights, forcing the English monarch to always have to work with Parliament. Also because of the triennial act, Parliament would have to meet every three years even without the King’s consent. King Louis XIV of France built the palace of Versailles in order to preoccupy the nobility with luxury life, distracting them from politics. In this way, Parliament in England and King Louis XIV had ample control over the government.

Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Topic Sentence Supporting Evidence Explain English Civil War No abbreviations NO SUMMARY SENTENCE Example of a “B” Paragraph: Internal disputes in England and France gave power to the Parliament and Monarch. In England, the English Civil War gave strength back to the Parliament. The Fronde in France gave power to the monarch. The English Civil War decreased the King’s power, which ultimately resulted in power to the Parliament. The Fronde was a revolt against the gov’t which really strengthened the gov’t/monarch. This is because the people finally saw the need for a strong monarch, and that was what was in front of their eyes.

Example of a C paragraph: Sample Question 2: In the seventeenth century, what political conditions accounted for the increased power of both the Parliament in England and the Monarch in France? Topic Sentence Supporting Evidence Explain the English Civil War – don’t assume the reader has previous knowledge Nobles were in Parliament Summary Sentence Example of a C paragraph: In England and France the nobles both wanted power, however, it was a great struggle for them to achieve this, and in the end they were not successful. The English Civil War broke out which only hurt the nobles. This gave the Parliament more say in England, since the Parliament won. In France, government officials were put in, which lessened the power of the nobles. Also, the nobles were put in, which lessened the power of the nobles. Also, the nobles were put in Versailles, giving the monarch Louis XIV more power. The loss of the nobility in both European countries led to the increase of power of the Parliament in England and the centralized power in France.