A.P. Free-Response Section

1. A.P. Free-Response Section There are 3 types of essays you will need to write for the A.P. Exam. They are: • DBQ Essay • Change Over Time • Comparative

2. Comparative Essay – 500 C.E. - 1000 Directions: You are to answer the following question. You should spend 15 minutes organizing or outlining your essay. Be sure to make your notes in the space provided below. Write an essay that: Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence. Addresses all parts of the question. Uses the historical context to show change and/or continuities Tomorrow you will be given ANY possible combination of the regions listed below.  Western Europe – Byzantines, Holy Roman Empire, Feudalism East Asia- Sui, Tang and Song (China), Silla (Korea) and Nara and Heian (Japan) South Asia (India) The Middle East (Southwest Asia) – Rise of Spread of Islam

3. Focus: What is the fine art of “compare and contrast” in an A.P. World History comparative essay? What the AP World History will ask you to compare: How different societies responded to events, to each other, or to other societies. How different societies changed—or didn’t—in response to an event. How different societies developed How different societies responded to new technologies or new ideas.

4. Thesis Statement • Must state your major points of comparison AND be supported by specific historical evidence. • Answers all parts of the question. • Makes at least (3) direct and relevant comparisons of the given societies. • Analyze relevant reasons for similarities and differences.

5. Apples and Oranges… Task/Question:Compare and contrast the nutritional value and appeal of apples and oranges. Statement 1 – Apples are different than oranges. Apples tend to generally be red while oranges are orange. They are both very popular and are good for you but apples are more popular. Statement 2 – Apples and oranges are two of modern America’s most popular fruits. Apples are an excellent source of fiber and pectin. Oranges, while not quite as rich in fiber, contain a great deal of vitamin C. Both fruits are also frequently consumed in the form of juice. However, in terms of their popularity, my research concludes that apples are more popular than oranges due to their ease of consumption and relative lower acidic qualities.

6. COMPARATIVE RUBRIC-Thesis Statement Has an acceptable Thesis: Makes direct comparisons between regions and identifies specific similarities AND differences; Explains REASONS for the similarities and differences; identifies time frame. Has a thorough and analytical Thesis: Has ALL of the elements of an acceptable thesis but is done with exceptional style and detial. Has a weak or faulty Thesis: Is missing ONE or more the essential elements listed above for an acceptable thesis.

7. Sample Thesis Format Although there were certain (similarities/differences) between (list the places you are comparing) with regard to (name the things/ideas/events, etc…you are comparing) during (list time frame) they were very (similar/different)with regards to (list the SPECIFIC similarities/differences.) Despite these (similarities and differences) they were (the same or different ) in the following ways. (list the ways they were similar/different). The following factors (list the factors) largely account for these similarities and differences.

8. Comparative Rubric – Body – How to Address Parts of Question Addresses ALL parts of the question, in a mostly balanced fashion. Must include SEVERAL examples of evidence of analysis: continuity and change, cause and effect relationships, interactions) Addresses ALL parts of the question, although not thoroughly or in a balanced fashion. Must include SOME evidence of analysis: continuity and change, cause and effect relationships, interactions) Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does not address BOTH similarities AND differences. However, includes SEVERAL examples of evidence of analysis: continuity and change, cause and effect relationships, interactions) Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does not address BOTH similarities AND differences. However, includes SOME examples of evidence of analysis: continuity and change, cause and effect relationships, interactions) Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does not address BOTH similarities AND differences. FEW, FAULTY OR NO examples of evidence of analysis: continuity and change, cause and effect relationships, interactions)

9. Comparative Rubric – Body-Historical Evidence Supports your thesis with SEVERAL EXAMPLES of appropriate historical evidence (3 or more). Supports your thesis with SOME appropriate historical evidence (at least 3). Does not include at least 2 strong and relevant pieces of historical information to support the thesis. Examples are overly general or not strongly connected to the quesiton or an analytical point you are making.

10. Compartive Rubric – Body-Direct Comparisons Makes at least THREE or more direct, specific and relevant comparisons between your assigned regions. Makes at least ONE to TWO specific and direct comparison between your assigned regions. May state several similarities and differences, but does not connect the ideas through direct comparisons. Attempts to compare but is overly vague; perhaps simply lists how things were in one are, how things were in another area and does not make the connections between the information in the form of a DIRECT COMPARISON.

11. Comparative – Rubric – BodyReason(s) for similarities and differences Explains at least ONE or more reasons for the similarities and/or differences between the regions. Makes no attempt or does not correctly or clearly identify the reasons for the similarities and/or differences.