1. AP Style Writing
Comparison Essay

2. Overview
AP history writing requires specificity, analysis and accuracy
AP history writing is NOT interested in captivating introductions, tone or emotions.
I am specifically teaching you how to write for the AP test and college style history essays- not english!

3. RUBRIC- comparison How you are graded: 9
1) Introduction Paragraph- Background and Thesis Statement (2)
2) Content: Comparisons, Evidence to back up claims (3)
3)Analysis: showing connections and showing relevance of comparisons. (2)
4) Style and accuracy- Addressing all the question and ensuring you are accurate (2)

4. Introduction Paragraph
Background Statement: Introduces the reader to your topic and time period. This will be done for you given the essay prompt.
Prompt: Compare the goals and outcomes of the Russian (1917) and Chinese Revolution (1911).

5. Background Statement
Prompt: Compare the impact of nationalism in Europe versus the impact of nationalism in the European colonies through out the 19th and 20th centuries.
Nationalism was a driving force through out much of 19th and 20th centuries- however, it had a very different flavor in Europe than in most European colonies.

6. Thesis YOU MUST ANSWER THE PROMPT ENTIRELY!
Prompt: Compare the outcomes and goals of 2 of the following revolutions between 1900 and 1918.
Russia
China

7. Thesis
Prompt: Compare the impact of nationalism in Europe versus the impact of nationalism in the European colonies through out the 19th and 20th centuries
While Nationalism for both groups meant pride and commitment in one own’s nation, nationalism in Europe- which often meant desire for domination- became synonymous with expansion and conquest of other peoples, while nationalism in the colonies meant self-determination or freedom from European rule and the nation’s right to determine its own destiny.

8. Intro paragraph- putting it all together
Nationalism was a driving force through out much of 19th and 20th centuries- however, it had a very different flavor in Europe than in most European colonies. While Nationalism for both groups meant pride and commitment in one own’s nation, nationalism in Europe- which often meant desire for domination- became synonymous with expansion and conquest of other peoples, while nationalism in the colonies meant self-determination or freedom from European rule and the nation’s right to determine its own destiny.

9. Comparisons
Comparisons must be relevant– they need to tie back to the prompt- or if no clue words are given- use PERSIAN chart
Comparisons should not state the obvious. Example: Mesopotamia and Egypt are both built on rivers.
Comparison can be: Religion of Egypt and Mesopotamia were both heavily dependent on the civilization’s interaction with their environment. While…

10. Evidence/Concrete Detail
Information that backs up/SUPPORTS your claims/comparisons
Key terms/Vocab, Dates, Events, People, Places.
If the body paragraph was addressing political aspects of Egypt you should include: pharaoh, ma’at, bureaucracy, centralization, 3100BCE

11. Analysis By far, the most difficult part of the rubric to master.
Analysis shows connections, identifies key factors, causes, impact of comparison/evidence.
Addresses the WHY?

12. Example of Analysis
Rome’s dependence and moral importance on military caused many generals to gain power politically and also led to large amounts of expansion.
Eventually, Rome’s expansion would lead to their downfall, as the borders became to massive for the government to defend resulting in germanic invasions in the 5th century.

13. Style Essays should be between 4 and 6 paragraphs
Use transitional words to highlight important points:
(Contrast)- but, however, though in contrast, alternatively
(Similarity)- since, moreover, therefore, likewise
Write neatly!
Do not use figures of speech! Example: IN the treaty of versailles germany got the short end of the stick Just say: The Versailles Treaty specified Germany be responsible for the war- resulting in them paying for reparations, when in fact the war was caused by many more factors than just Germany alone.

14. One last thing- You need to finish an essay in 40 minutes.
It is in your best interest to THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE
Pre-write and Brainstorm
Edit after your essay is written.

15. Essay:
Compare the river valleys of Egypt and Mesopotamia on two of the following areas:
Political organization and leadership
Society and Culture