1. How to write a Long Essay Response (aka LEQ, LER…) for AP US History

2. LEQ on the AP Exam… Graded using an 6pt. Rubric
Comprises 15% of overall AP score
Choice between 2 on the Exam; however, both will have the same skill type.

3. Watch the following link for an overview of a LEQ…

4. How to write a Thesis Paragraph…

5. Quality of Argument…
Please note that it is VERY DIFFICULT to obtain the full 2 points for Argumentation. “2 points” is awarded to students who demonstrate a plethora of knowledge & able to explain how the knowledge used is relevant for the argument.

6. Argument Development using targeted historical thinking skill (2 points)
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain the full 2 points. Sophisticated historical writers will be able to recognize what skill is being used, include skill terminology throughout the essay, and explain how they utilized the skill to answer the question.
Four Possibilities (Think 3CP)
Comparison
Causation
Continuity & Change over Time
Periodization
Go here for more information about the different historical thinking skills:

7. When it is Comparison…

8. When it is Causation…

9. When it is Continuity & Change over Time…

10. When it is Periodization…

11. Synthesis…
Mr. H prefers you to address choice “A” to obtain the synthesis point. (C is not an option!) There should be a full synthesis paragraph at the end of the written response.
Synthesis Explained
(Ignore the DBQ rubric at the end as it has slightly changed… however, the skill of synthesis has not!)

12. Further…

13. For Exemplars… Go to http://apusths.pbworks.com
Click on the Pertinent Strategies Page
Scroll to the document after “What does a 6 Essay look like?”
Click on Patterns of Continuity and Change Over Time Student Examples 6s Environment & Cold War.docx
Note that these essays were written by two former Mr. Hoefler AP US History students via KB during the school year. The question asked was CCOT type. Both Essays were graded an “6” by Mr. Hoefler based on the old rubric (subtle differences) & both students would eventually score a “5” on the AP Exam. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Hoefler ONLY graded a handful of 5s & 6s for these two questions.