The Essay Question Types of Essay Questions Document

The Essay Question

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)

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)

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

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

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

Things That Make Any Essay Better Two Components 1. Plan what your are going to write 2. Use effective writing techniques = Better organized = Better thought out = Better written

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

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 thesis – Historical evidence • Paragraph 5: Conclusion – Conclusion and wrap up – Restate thesis

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

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!!!

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

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 • Make sure the first and last paragraphs directly answer the question

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

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

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

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

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

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

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