1. WRITING SKILLS FOR AP US HISTORY

2. Types of Questions
There are 3 types of written responses on this exam but you’re writing 6 TOTAL:
Short-answer questions (20%) 4
50 minutes
DBQ (Document-based question) (25%) 1
55 minutes
LEQ (Long essay question) (15%)
Given 2, pick 1 (One 1st half and one 2nd half of history)
35 minutes

3. Short Answer
ALL FOUR QUESTIONS will require students to use historical thinking skills to respond to:
A primary source
A historian’s argument
Nontextual sources such as a map or data
General propositions about US history
You can draw material from either from the source OR classroom instruction
2-3 sentences
Multiple part format so LABEL YOUR ANSWERS!!!

4. Short Answer Stimulus based or non-stimulus based STAY INSIDE THE BOX!
~10 minutes each – 50 minutes
There will be 3 parts: A, B, C
LABEL your answers!!!!!!!!!!!!
READ THE QUESTIONS
BEFORE ANSWERING!!!!

5. Example

7. Document-based question (DBQ)
An essay question that requires you to interpret primary source documents
Vary in length and format
Documents might include the following:
Newspaper articles/editorials
Letters/diaries
Speeches
Legislation
Political cartoons
Charts and graphs

8. Your job!
Analyze and synthesize historical data and to assess verbal, quantitative, or visual materials as historical evidence
Relate the documents together when applicable AND (and this is crucial) relate the documents to your extensive outside knowledge!!!
SHOW ME YOU KNOW THINGS!!!
COMPARE and CONTRAST
They will present opposing arguments, DUH!
Provide a THESIS – a really, really, really good one

9. What is a Thesis Statement?
Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under consideration
What your argument IS
Tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Answers the question asked of you
It is NOT a restatement of the question!

10. Analysis
Examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation
You do this with the documents when you USE HIPPO
You have to use ALL of the documents in your writing OR leave just ONE out

11. DBQ Format INTRODUCTION SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed)
CONCLUSION
So what?
Coming attraction (like in MARVEL movies)
SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed)
SFI – Specific Factual Information derived from documents
Remember to PAAC
Analysis of SFI (“because…”)
INTRODUCTION
Always begin with what already happened
THESIS!!!!!!!
7 point rubric
Thesis = 1 point
Analysis of historical evidence and support = 4 points
Contextualization = 1 point
Synthesis = 1 point

13. Long essay question (LEQ)
You pick from 2 options – don’t answer BOTH
Measures the use of historical thinking skills to explain and analyze significant issues in US history
Same format as the DBQ but NO documents! It’s ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE, so you better know stuff!

14. LEQ Format INTRODUCTION SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed)
CONCLUSION
So what?
Coming attraction
SUPPORTIVE PARAGRAPHS (as many as needed)
SFI – Specific Factual Information derived from YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Analysis of SFI (“because…”)
INTRODUCTION
Always begin with what already happened
THESIS!!!!!!!
6 point rubric
Thesis = 1 point
Support for argument = 2 points
Application of targeted historical thinking skills = 2 points
Synthesis = 1 point

15. As You Write the Body Paragraphs…
Be certain you understand the question and fully attempt to answer it
Use FACTS to support your THESIS/ARGUMENT
Load up essay with facts
Use past tense consistently – HISTORY already happened; but analysis is present tense
i.e. Thomas Jefferson CREATED the Embargo Act. This ILLUSTRATES…
Explain why (SO WHAT) a fact is important
Make connections to your THESIS/ARGUMENT

16. ALWAYS Use thoughtful language Use accurate information
In a DBQ – use all the documents
WRITE A STRONG, DEVELOPED THESIS
Write a conclusion with synthesis
ANSWER THE FREAKING QUESTION!!!
Proofread

17. NEVER! Write your opinion Quote the documents – they’re right there!
Use pencil
Use first or second person
Use vague language

18. 6 point rubric
Thesis = 1 point
Support for argument = 2 points
Application of targeted historical thinking skills = 2 points
Synthesis = 1 point