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 Question might read: 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 QUESTION MAY BEGIN WITH… 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: 4-6 Thesis: 1-3 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

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