Writing an essay

There are six steps to writing an AP

essay

1. Analyze the Question.

What is the question asking you? Underline key words like evaluate or

assess.

AP Questions require JUDGEMENT on your part!

Describe THREE of the following and analyze the ways in which each of the

three has affected the status of women in American Society since

1940.

Changing Economic ConditionsRebirth of organized women’s movement.

Advances in reproductive technology.Persistence of traditional definitions in

women’s roles.

Evaluate the importance of domestic and foreign policy affairs in shaping

American politics in the 1790’s.

If you think you can answer the question without making a judgment, that results in a thesis statement, you

do not understand the question!!!!

2. Organize the

Information

Take a minute or five and list what you know about the question. (Brainstorm)

Evaluate the importance of domestic and foreign policy affairs in shaping American

politics in the 1790’s.

Domestic Foreign PoliticsHamilton, French Rev. Washington.Bank, Credit XYZ affair 2 party sys.Loose V. Strict 1800 Election 96Whiskey Reb. Jay Treaty Jeff. V. Ham.

3. Develop a Thesis

A strong thesis is an ESSENTIAL part of every AP essay!

A thesis is not merely a restatement of the question. A thesis requires judgment and interpretation.

“During the 1790’s, both domestic and foreign affairs contributed greatly to

the shaping of American politics”.

Although straightforward and simple, this thesis does take position on the

question.

An effective thesis does not have to be complex (although they are good, too) but it does have to be focused on the

question!

Ask yourself:

A. Does my thesis take a position?B. Does my thesis offer an interpretation of the question?C. Does my thesis offer organizing or controlling ideas for the rest of the essay?

4. Write the Introductory Paragraph.

The rules for writing an introductory paragraph are not “written in stone”.

However, an effective introductory paragraph usually contains these three

elements:

A. The background of your thesis (time, place and setting.)B. The thesis statement itself.C. An introduction of the main points to be developed in your essay (blueprint.)

So, in our example, you would continue to develop the thesis.

“The young nation was struggling with questions such as the interpretation of

the Constitution’s implied powers, which created domestic strife, while

attempting to gain respect from foreign nations over issues such as

British retention of northwest forts and the right of deposit at New Orleans,

both of which were crucial to American morale and trade”.

5. Write the Supporting

Paragraphs and Conclusion.

Some general rules of thumb are:

A. The number and length of the supporting paragraphs should vary

depending the question. An historical essay does NOT have to be five

paragraphs.

B. Avoid a laundry list of trivia or stories! Instead, fill your essay with

relevant, ANALYZED information that supports your thesis!

REMEMBER: An essay is also a measure of your knowledge of history,

including proper names, treaties, people, places, events, laws and

movements. Do not hold back on the facts!

C. Write the essay in the third person and the past tense. The active voice is also preferred over the passive voice.

(“Edison created” instead of “was created by Edison”.)

D. Use specific verbs that clearly identify persons, factors and judgment.

Avoid vague verbs such as “felt” or “says” and vague references such as

“they” and “others”. Avoid absolutes such as “all” or “none”.

E. Define or explain key terms. If you use terms such as “manifest destiny” or “sectionalism”, you should explain

what they mean.

F. Communicate awareness of the complexity of history by distinguishing

between primary and secondary causes of events.

G. Anticipate counter arguments. Consider arguments that are against

your thesis, not to prove them, but to show an awareness of opposing points

of view. The strongest essays confront conflicting evidence.

H. Remain objective – Avoid rhetoric, especially on social issues. An AP test is

not the place to argue who is “good” and who is “bad”.

I. Do not use slang terms. Do not try to be “cute” or funny.

J. Communicate the organization and logical development of your argument.

Each paragraph should have a main point clearly communicated in the

topic sentence. Provide a few words of transition between paragraphs.

K. The conclusion should focus the thesis. Restate your thesis in a fresh

and insightful way. DO NOT SUMMARIZE YOUR ESSAY!

Conclude by “looking forward.” Ex. “The nation would become even more

divided with the election of 1800.”

6. Evaluate Your Essay

Ask yourself the following questions:

I. Introductory paragraph – How effectively does this prepare my reader

for the remainder of my essay? How can it be improved?

II. Thesis – Does the thesis address the question? How well does it deal with

the complexity of the issue?

III. Analysis – Does my essay provide effective analysis of the question or does it merely describe? Does my essay deal with the complexity

of the issue? Does my essay acknowledge opposing points of

view?

IV. Evidence – Is my thesis supported with substantial, relevant information?

V. Errors – Are there minor or major errors?

VI. Presentation – How well organized is my essay? Did composition,

sentence structure, word choice, spelling, etc. detract from my essay?

The End!