1. Writing in APUSH
APUSH

2. Rehse’s 8 Commandments for Writing the Historical Essay
I: Have a Thesis Statement: The thesis must state the argument and everything in your essay must support your argument.
II: Get to the Point: Make your case and do it quickly. You do not have time to waste on fluff and BS.
III: Use Factual Evidence: Your thesis is only valid if the evidence supports it.
IV: Take Contrary Evidence Into Account: Showing that there is at least another side to the story is not only necessary, it helps strengthen your argument, not weaken it.

3. Commandment’s Cont:
V: End the Essay Simply and Cleanly: Do not make moral judgments or introduce new information. Finish quickly and neatly.
VI: Do NOT use Personal Pronouns or Contractions: Speak as an authority, do not use I, you, we, us, my, don’t, isn’t, can’t. You do not need them.
VII: Do not use Poor Grammar and Avoid Misspelled words: Graders understand time constraints in regards to spelling but there is a limit to what will be accepted. Grammatical errors detract from a well – written essay, no matter the content.

4. Commandment’s Cont:
VIII: Do NOT Ask Rhetorical Questions: Answer the prompt and stick to the subject.

5. Developing a Thesis Statement
Thesis Formula: X. However, A, B, and C. Therefore, Y.
‘X’ represents the strongest point against your argument.
‘A, B, and C’ represent the three strongest points for your argument.
‘Y’ represents the position you will be taking – in other words, your stand on the prompt.

6. Categorize Your Thoughts
If the prompt does not provide categories, think of PERSIA.
P – Political
E – Economic
R – Religious
S – Social
I – Intellectual
A – Artistic
Political, Economic and Social are the most often used.
If categories are given in the prompt, use them.

7. Organizing information: Thinking Maps
Essays that ask you to take a position on the topic, use a T diagram:
Pro’s Con’s A B C

8. Organizing information: Thinking Maps
For questions that ask you to compare and contrast, use a Venn Diagram
Topic 1 Topic 2

9. Square Version of Venn
Topic Topic 2 A B C

10. Sample Prompt Prompt: Assess the validity of the following statement
“Teaching is the most important profession in the world and everyone should consider it as a possible career choice.”

11. Sample T Chart Categories: Economic, Social, Intellectual
Pro’s Emotionally satisfying Make a difference in the world Summers off Work during the summer for more pay Only need a bachelors degree to start Tenure – Job security (Perhaps) Ability to further education
Con’s Physically demanding Long work hours Low pay Not much respect in our society Requires certification Have to do additional work ie. Coach / sponsor Spend more time with other people’s kids than your own

12. Specific But Not Too Much
Use one short example per letter.
Do not use generalities!!!
BAD: George Washington was a great leader.
GOOD. His courage in battle made George Washington an effective leader.
Thesis Scoring
1: Too vague
2: Good
3: Too detailed

13. Sample Thesis Statement Negative
Teaching is an emotionally satisfying profession. However, compared to those of equal education, teachers rank consistently at the bottom of the pay scale, often work at home without additional compensation, and receive a lack of respect in our society. Therefore, teaching is clearly not the most important profession and would not be a wise career choice.

14. Sample Thesis Statement Positive
Teaching is consistently one of the lowest paying professions. However, teaching offers summer off from the classroom, is emotionally satisfying and offers the chance to make a difference in the world that most professions do not. Therefore, teaching is the most important profession and would be a wise career choice.

15. Sample Prompt II
Prompt: Compare and contrast the Presidencies of Abraham Lincoln and President X. Pay special attention to factors such as political beliefs, economic policies and social impact during their time in office.