1. APUSH Exam
Long Essay Question

2. 3 hours 15 minutes Section Question type Number of questions Timing
Percent of the total exam I
Part A: MC
55 questions
55 minutes
40 %
Part B: Short Answer
4 Questions
50 minutes
20 % II
Part A: DBQ
1 question
25 %
Part B: Long essay question
1 question chosen from a pair
35 minutes
15 %

3. LEQ Students have to choose one question of two provided
No LEQ will focus exclusively on events prior to 1607 or after 1980
Not as long as the DBQ
Most will ask you to analyze, assess, or evaluate cause and effects

4. What is the LEQ?
Opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know best
Measures the use of historical thinking skills to explain and analyze significant issues in U.S. History as defined by the Thematic Learning Objectives

5. What must be included in the LEQ?
Thesis statement that addresses the question
An analysis of specific, relevant historical information
All outside information
Evidence, evidence, evidence

6. Example LEQ
Some historians have argued that the American Revolution was not revolutionary in nature. Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing specific evidence to justify your answer

7. Example LEQ
To what extent and in what ways did the conservation and preservation movements in the late 19th century extend public control over U.S. natural resources? Support your answer with specific and relevant historical information

8. Old Example FRQ
In what ways did economic conditions and developments in the arts and entertainment help create the reputation of the 1920’s as the Roaring Twenties?
How do you account for the appeal of McCarthyism in the United States in the era following the Second World War?

9. Which Question to Choose
The one you know the most about
Not the easiest at first glance

10. Plan of Attack Breakdown the question
Splashdown information including ideas for synthesis
Organize your arguments
Construct strong thesis
Write your essay

11. Breakdown the Question
Circle and underline important words and phrases
If your not confident that you know what the question means or have trouble getting organized/clear focus of essay USE THE GUIDING WORDS IN THE QUESTION

12. Splashdown Information
Write down at least 7 terms, ideas, and/or concepts that come to mind after evaluating the question
Be specific- Use names of people, places, events, dates/periods
Think of other significant events that are related to the question
Think of the significance, causes, and effects related to the topic of the question

13. Splashdown information Synthesis
Appropriately extends or modifies the stated thesis or argument
Explicitly uses/includes an additional category of analysis ( political, economic, social) beyond what is asked for in the prompt
Appropriately connects question to other historical period, geographical area, or context

14. Organize your arguments
Create a quick outline to organize splashdown
Write shortened topic sentences
Review/re-read question as you plan

15. Construct a thesis Read the question one more time
Develop an argument you can prove
Make sure your thesis addresses all pertinent aspects of the question

16. Write Spend 5-6 minutes planning and 29-30 minutes writing
Write clearly and neatly
Do not write in the margins
Do not underline?
Evidence, evidence, evidence