APWH Essay Writing

The Exam Writing component: Highlights: Section I, Part B: Short-answer questions 4 questions, 50 min. (20%) Section II, Part A and Part B: DBQ, LEQ DBQ- 55 min. (25%) LEQ- 35 min. (15%) – 1 of the following---Compare/Contrast, Change & Continuity Over Time, Causation or Periodization Highlights: Argumentation Using evidence Contextualization Interpretation Synthesis

Prompt HIghLIGHTS What will you be asked to do in a prompt? Causation Identify, analyze, evaluate cause-and-effect relationships Long term vs. proximate CCOT Recognize, analyze, evaluate CCOT over periods of time Relate patterns to larger historical context, themes Periodization Describe, analyze, evaluate, construct models of periodization Categorize events into blocks, ID turning points Comparison Describe, compare, evaluate various developments ID, compare, evaluate multiple perspectives

The Big four model arch-types

Historical causation Cause and effect Pre-write chart examples Prompts: Explain the major causes and consequences of the Napoleonic Wars. Evaluate the extent to which European Imperialism led to the development of Alliances prior to World War I. Explain the major political and economic causes and consequences for the growth of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain from 1815-1848.

Continuity and change over time CCOT- what stayed the same and what changed? Pre-write chart examples Prompts: Evaluate the extent to which trans-Atlantic interactions from 1600-1763 C.E. contributed to maintaining continuity as well as fostered change in labor systems in the American colonies. Identify and analyze the changing role of women within Classical Civilizations from 600 BCE-600 C.E. Analyze continuities and changes along the Silk Roads from 200 B.C.E. to 1450 C.E.

Comparison Compare AND contrast Pre-write charts Prompts: Compare and contrast the New England colonies with the colonies in the Chesapeake. Be sure to address two of these three characteristics in your answer: political, economic, and social patterns.

The Beginning. . . Read the question and figure out WHAT it is asking Analyze, Assess/Evaluate, Compare/Contrast, Describe, Discuss, Explain How many questions are there within the question? Pre-write: Outline your answer What is the question asking you FOR? What is the question asking you TO DO?

Intro & Thesis Body Conclusion “What I am going to show you.” SHOW me! The Essay Structure Part of Essay It’s Function or Job Intro & Thesis Body Conclusion “What I am going to show you.” SHOW me! “What I just showed you.” Thesis is usually the last sentence of the introduction

The Thesis Purpose is to state your position AND ANSWER THE QUESTION! Your thesis is your theory on the answer to the question. OWN IT! Introductory Paragraph usually contains 3 elements: A background to the question of your thesis Thesis statement Intro. to main ideas or points of your essay that will be supported in the body (SPICE = Evidence/Examples) Analysis is KEY Take a position! Don’t just write about the prompt and list facts, but choose a position and DEFEND IT with historical facts, documents. Persuade your reader that your analysis is correct based on information, facts, or documents. (WHY did A cause B or to what extent did A impact B)

In this paper, I am going to prove that. . . Your thesis is a blueprint! An introduction to the main ideas and points to be developed, supported in your essay (SPICE) ALL parts of your essay should support your thesis IF YOU DON’T HAVE A THESIS, YOU DON’T HAVE A PAPER!

Thesis tips You have to find a happy medium with information Don’t be too general and don’t be too specific Don’t give it all away! You want your reader to keep reading! VERY IMPORTANT!!!

OVERALL TOP MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE WITH ESSAYS: Not answering the question asked! Poor or missing thesis statements! Not using evidence to PROVE your thesis --- just lists facts without using the facts as evidence! No analysis --- ANSWER WHY EVERY CHANCE YOU GET – (due to, as a result, because, whereas, in order that, as though, rather than, provided that)