WRITING THE AP US HISTORY FREE RESPONSE QUESTION (FRQ)

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  READ THE QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!  You will be given TWO Free Response Essays.  Read BOTH before deciding which one to answer.  When reading, underline dates, time periods, people, places, regions of the country, document names, etc.  Look for key words to guide your response

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #1: ANALYZE/ASSESS  Give the positive and negative points- showing which has more significance  Weigh (which side has more merit?) and explain how much and in detail.  Question might read:  * Analyze the impact of...  * Analyze the effectiveness of...  * Analyze the success and failures of...

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #2: COMPARE AND CONTRAST  examine and note the similarities and differences with deep analysis of the conceptual and practical elements of the issues.

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #3: DEFINE  give the meaning, determine or fix the boundaries of something.  This mode will generally be presented with an additional mode that will require analysis

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #4: DESCRIBE/DISCUSS/ILLUSTRATE:  create a well defined visual image through your words of what the event, movement or era is (Strong description of the issue)  make clear using examples  These modes will generally be presented with an additional mode that will require analysis  QUESTION MAY BEGIN WITH…  “In what ways… “

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #5: EVALUATE  show the limits or the extent of the issue.  weigh and illustrate the positive and negatives of the historical change  very similar to ANALYZE  QUESTION MAY BEGIN WITH…  Evaluate the extent...  Evaluate the impact of...  To what extent...

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Key Words #6: EXPLAIN  make clear or plain  make known in detail

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  The essay should begin with a strong introductory paragraph  No fluff or flowers!! This is not an English essay.  Write a thesis that meets the following criteria:  Fully addresses the question asked  Takes a position in regards to the question.  Provides organizational categories  It may help the reader to underline your thesis  NOTE: Your teacher requires it

FRQ ESSAY TIPS SAMPLE THESIS: 7-9 Thesis: “The problems leading to the American Civil War were a fundamental disagreement between the south and the north over the role of the federal government, industrialization versus agriculture, and slavery.” 4-6 Thesis: “The problems leading to the American Civil War were caused by political, economic, and social issues.” 1-3 Thesis: “The problems leading to the American Civil War were numerous.”

FRQ ESSAY TIPS

 Write three supporting paragraphs.  Each supporting paragraph should address ONE of the topics presented in the thesis.  Each supporting paragraph should contain very relevant OI (outside information —what you learn outside of class) and SFI (specific factual information—what you learn inside of class).  This includes names, dates, places, specific events, etc.  ALWAYS USE PAST TENSE VERBS.  DO NOT EVER USE PERSONAL PRONOUNS

FRQ ESSAY TIPS  Write a strong concluding paragraph  Extends the main ideas of the essay into the succeeding era.  Should NEVER, EVER end with clichés. (“and thus America is what it is today.”)

INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE: The main point of your paragraph and how it connects to your thesis Historical supporting fact #1 (OI or SFI) and how it proves your thesis Historical supporting fact #2 (OI or SFI) and how it proves your thesis Historical supporting fact #3 (OI or SFI) and how it proves your thesis TRANSITION STATEMENT: notes any limits (exceptions) to your point, and takes you to the next paragraph