How to write an AP Human Geography Essay

 You will have 75 minutes to write three essays. There is no “reading time” or “choice.”  You will not know ahead of time how many points each essay will be worth (lately each essay is worth 6-10 points although they can be worth more or less).  The essays are worth roughly 1/2 of your AP HUG grade What happens on the test?

Types of Essays That we Have Seen Before  Analyze a graphic, map, model, or diagram  Application of terms or concepts to a specific scenario

Important note:  These essays are what we refer to as being “technical writing”. This means that you are writing specifically about the content and no points are awarded for how well the essay is constructed. Introductions and Conclusions are strongly discouraged and you are not rewarded on any level for writing them.

In 1798 Thomas Robert Malthus published An Essay on the Principle of Population in which he argued that population growth will inevitably outpace food production, resulting in widespread famine. A. Identify and explain TWO reasons why some geographers today believe Malthus’ theory can be used to predict future population issues. B. Identify and explain TWO reasons why some geographers today believe Malthus’ theory cannot be used to predict future population issues. Sample FRQ

 Defining the term is not planning (unless the question asks you to define)  You CAN define the term but we want to see the example  You will get 5 points on essays for your planning  Write it on the essay prompt!! Not on the essay paper.  Not more than 2-3 minutes should be spent planning PLAN

 Must write in complete sentences.  Put each point in a separate paragraph.  DO NOT WRITE AN INTRODUCTION OR CONCLUSION. You also DO NOT need to restate the question in your essay.  Must use a blue or black pen and write LEGIBLY.  Do not write in outline format. FORMAT

 Support with textbook examples or scenarios. Do not talk about personal stories like your grandma.  Only use AP HUG terminology, not Oprah terms.  Keep it simple! Only write about the essay and the example. Do not write additional information. It does not get you extra points.  Do not contradict yourself! If you end up contradicting yourself you will lose the point.  Do not use the term to define the term without clarification. Example: Population density is how dense the population is.  USE THE TERM in the sentence. You can’t receive credit if you do not identify what you are talking about CONTENT