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The Essay Question

The Essay Question. The Basics of Writing a Successful AP Essay. Types of Essay Questions. Document Based Question (DBQ) Based on eight to ten primary sources plus outside knowledge Free – Response Question (FRQ) Four questions = Two pre-1870 (select one) = Two Post 1870 (select one).

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The Essay Question

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  1. The Essay Question The Basics of Writing a Successful AP Essay

  2. Types of Essay Questions • Document Based Question (DBQ) • Based on eight to ten primary sources plus outside knowledge • Free – Response Question (FRQ) • Four questions = Two pre-1870 (select one) = Two Post 1870 (select one)

  3. What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? • Answer the question • Begin with a strong thesis • Follow a reasonable outline • The less confusing the better for the reader • Be straightforward • Readers are experts in history (don’t try to fool them)

  4. What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? • Focus on the question • Make sure you answer the question being asked • More that just facts – although important • Reveal an understanding of the general principles – good analysis • Big picture of American History

  5. What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? • Weave and understanding of content with analysis • Originality of thought • Interpretative history

  6. What Are the AP Essay Graders Looking For? Summed Up • Express good ideas • Present valid evidence to support those ideas • Strong developed thesis • Quality of historical argument • Each essay is only read for about two minutes

  7. Things That Make Any Essay Better Two Components • Plan what your are going to write • Use effective writing techniques = Better organized = Better thought out = Better written

  8. Before You Start Writing • Read the question carefully • Brainstorm for a couple of minutes • Write facts, concepts and/or ideas that come to mind • Decide on your thesis (point of argument) • Organize information to fit thesis

  9. Before You Start Writing • Aim for five paragraphs (although not an absolute) • Paragraph 1: Introduction • Thesis • Summary of three basic argument • Paragraphs 2 – 4: Body • Three arguments that support the thesis • Historical evidence • Paragraph 5: Conclusion • Conclusion and wrap up • Restate thesis

  10. Types of Arguments • Three Good Points • The Chronological Argument • Similarities and Differences • The “Watchdog” Argument

  11. Arguments Continued Organize essay • First paragraph – addresses the question and states how you are going to answer it (Thesis) • Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 – organized around a single argument by evidencethesis • Paragraph 5 – Ties the essay into a neat package. Answer the question here!!!

  12. Writing Guidelines • Keep sentences as simple as possible • Throw in a few big words but don’t over do it • Write clearly and neatly • Define your terms • Use transitions words to show where you are going

  13. Writing Guidelines Continued • Use structural indicators to organize your paragraphs • Stick to you outline • Try to prove one big picture idea per paragraph • Evidence, evidence, evidence • Make sure the first and last paragraphs directly answer the question

  14. Summary • Answer the entire question • Brainstorm, choose a thesis, develop an outline • Follow your outline • One important idea per paragraph • Evidence, Evidence, Evidence • Write clearly, neatly and to the point

  15. Three Good Points • Simplest strategy • From brainstorming select three best points • Each point the subject of a paragraph • Save strongest point for last • Topic sentence – then support • Opening paragraph – what you intend to argue • Final paragraph – what you have proven

  16. The Chronological Argument • Certain questions lend themselves to this • Transitions between paragraphs essential • Paragraph two leads to paragraph three which leads to paragraph four • Opening paragraph sets the path • Closing paragraph restate essay question and answer it

  17. Similarities and Differences I • Comparison questions • Start by setting a historical scene • Each paragraph building an issue • Last paragraph comparing and contrasting issues

  18. Similarities and Differences II • Question my provide options • Comparing political philosophies of two presidents • Thesis states the essential differences between their philosophies • One paragraph to each philosophy • Fourth paragraph – major differences and similarities • Final paragraph – draw conclusions

  19. Similarities and Differences III • Start with a thesis • Discuss three pertinent issues • Each president’s view • Final paragraph – overview of your argument

  20. The “Watchdog” Argument • Choose arguments opposite of yours • State their arguments, then tear them down • You do not have to prove you are correct • Paragraph 2 - Summarize your opponent’s arguments in • Paragraph 3 – Search and destroy their arguments • Paragraph 4 – your argument • Showing both sides demonstrates you understand history is complex

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