1. AP WORLD: WRITING TIPS The Comparative Essay

3. The Comparative Essay usually asks you to analyze broad historical issues for two areas of the world. Pick the areas (or revolutions) you know the most about! Be sure to read and underline any of the important components of the prompt (e.g. discussing the causes of the revolution when it asks you to discuss the consequences).

4. Thesis Make sure you address the PROMPT! Thesis must compare similarities and differences! Provide organization categories that will be used in the essay. Example Prompt: o Compare the major political developments of two of the following Classical Civilizations: India, China, or Mediterranean.

5. Example Responses (Thesis) 1.Classical India and Classical China have both similarities and differences in their political developments. (What is missing??--this is 3 rd grade level) 2.There are similarities and differences in the ways India and China expanded, controlled their territory, and approached religious differences. ( BETTER — but still missing??--this is 8 th grade stuff ) 3.The governments of India and China were similar in how they expanded their territory, but were different in the ways they governed territories and in their attitude toward religious freedom. BEST

6. Is it a thesis? Why or why not? Prompt: Compare the dynamics of trade in TWO of the following regions: o China during the Qin and Han dynasties o The Mediterranean during the Roman Empire o Mesoamerica during the Maya Empires. o South America during the Inca Empire In Maya culture the elites used a form of hieroglyphic writing to keep records while elites in the Inca society used a complex method of knot tying called quipu to keep records. NO: Good facts, but it addresses technology not trade. Doesn’t address similarities, only differences!!!

7. Is it a thesis? Why or why not? Trade dynamics in the Roman Empire centered around the Mediterranean Sea. In China, however; they used rivers for trade. Both societies used water routes to transport goods. YES: Not sophisticated, but addresses similarities and differences. The greatest similarity between the Han and the Roman Empires involved trade since both were linked by the Silk Road and both used the structures of empire to support transportation projects. The greatest difference was in the types of items traded by each civilization. YES: Much more sophisticated thesis.

8. Essay Structures ** “Political, Economic, Social” are not required categorical choices. You may choose others that fit.**

9. Similarities & Differences Structure Thesis from the aforementioned prompt: The governments of India and China were similar in how they expanded their territory, but were different in the ways they governed territories and in their attitude toward religious freedom. Body Paragraph 1 – similarities in the ways India and China expanded Body Paragraph 2 – differences in the ways they controlled their territory Body Paragraph 3 – differences in the ways they approached religious freedom

10. Body Paragraph Structure 1) TOPIC SENTENCE that connects to the thesis statement (the ways India and China expanded). 2) Evidence (details) and analysis (why). Example: Both Classical Indian and Chinese Civilizations began with expansion through military conquests. The Mauryans more than the Guptas used their massive war machine to forcefully unify regions of India after defeating Alexander ’ s Generals. Han expansion included military conquests of not only Chinese territories but also regions along the Silk Roads. In both China and India, the dynasties were founded by generals. The desire to expand their territory was important because this was the means by which both empires increased their resources and power.

11. Did You Provide Enough Historical Evidence (Facts)? Need to know facts about the topic to get the points on this essay. Incorrect facts do NOT take points away. Essays should have at least 3 pieces of specific evidence in each paragraph. Examples: - The Inca road system facilitated trade from one region of the empire to another. - Roman ships carried wheat, wine, and olive oil throughout the Mediterranean Sea. - Chinese trade expanded dramatically through the Silk Roads during the Han dynasty.

12. Did you make a “direct comparison” between the societies/regions? Cannot be found in the thesis. Using the “categorical split” essay form makes this easier. Use comparative words to link the 2 regions o Examples: also, as well as, furthermore, on the other hand, however, etc…

13. Did you analyze the reasons for the similarities and differences? Do this by answering the question…Why? Why did these similarities and/or differences exist? Examples: - The Romans and Incans had elaborate road systems because both had empires that stretched across vast territories. - Rome was located on the Mediterranean Sea, consequently its trade was water-based to a great extent. The Aztec Empire differed since its location within Mesoamerica meant that its trade was not as focused on water travel.

14. Go for the “Expanded Core” points Must receive all of the 7 core points first of all. Below are some possible areas that readers are looking for while scoring essays: o Clear and analytical thesis o Abundance of evidence o Frequent and consistent direct comparisons between areas o Comparisons related to larger global processes.

15. DO S and Don’t S

16. Do: Select regions for which you have the most information. Make sure your thesis addresses all parts of the question. Include similarities and differences between the two areas. Use your comparative words and phrases (see next slide). Mention plenty of facts (evidence). Offer analysis!

17. Comparison/Contrast Phrases

18. Don’t Favor one area/region and exclude the other. Use facts that are off topic. You won’t have points deducted, but it will make your essay more difficult to read and you will be wasting time. Discuss each area in isolation. Remember the “categorical split” essay form!

19. Atlantic Revolutions Similarities/Differences

20. Comparative Revolutions Essay Today’s Prompt: o For the period 1700-1830, compare the political revolutions and their effects for TWO of the following regions: FranceHaitiLatin America Written in class tomorrow, Friday 2/5.