1. The introductory Paragraph and thesis statement
What skills do I need to write a Superior Thesis Statement?

2. Before you begin writing…
Analyze the question: Make sure you are answering the question that was asked, not the question you wanted the test to ask! As you read the question, underline key terms and ideas that must be included.
Analysis is one of the skills that separates AP students from the general student body. AP essays are not asking you to merely spout information, but to point out relationships between events, people, eras, and ideas.

3. Sample Question
Identify the issues raised by the growth of Manchester and analyze the various reactions to those issues over the course of the nineteenth century.
What are the directives in this question? Underline in RED.

4. Sample Question
Identify the issues raised by the growth of Manchester and analyze the various reactions to those issues over the course of the nineteenth century.
What are the topics that you are asked to write about in this essay? Underline in Purple.

5. Sample Question
Identify the issues raised by the growth of Manchester and analyze the various reactions to those issues over the course of the nineteenth century.
What is the timeline of this question? Underline in Green.

6. Formatting the Opening Paragraph
Sample Question: Analyze the influence of humanism on the visual arts in the Italian Renaissance.
Underline the directives, the topics and establish a timeline. (doesn’t necessarily have to be in the question)

7. Step One
Establish the setting of the essay: Briefly introduce the reader to the subject.
Example: “During the Renaissance, an era of cultural flowering which occurred from approximately , humanism emerged as the dominant philosophical belief.

8. Step Two
Provide an insightful comment that establishes your basis for analysis (Background)
Example: “Humanism is a philosophy based on looking to the past, particularly Greek and Roman histories. Focusing on the individual, humanist scholars sought the betterment of themselves and their pupils through an understanding of classical ideas.”

9. Step Three
Provide a clear thesis statement that establishes the purpose of the essay (the answer to the Question)
Example: “Humanism profoundly influenced the visual arts of the Italian Renaissance.”

10. Step Four
Provide a partition that establishes three major sub-topics you plan to discuss (These will provide the support for the thesis.)
Example: “The influence of humanism on the visual arts of the Italian Renaissance is seen in the emphasis on the individual, the importance of secular themes, and the reemergence of classical Greek and Roman styles.”

11. Check for understanding…
What does it mean to establish a Setting?
What is the purpose of establishing Background Information?
Why is a clear Thesis Statement necessary?
What is the goal of a Partition?