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APUSH Thesis and Essay

Writing
The LEQ

First thing you should do


35 minutes total - Pick ONE of the two available prompts.
Suggestion : 5 - 8 minutes of planning , 27 - 30 minutes writing response.
Planning is identifying your position and supporting evidence.

Read the prompt CAREFULLY.


Underline the action words (what are you doing) and circle the topic/themes (who,what, when,
where).

Make sure you know what it is asking you to do Are you determining the effectiveness of something? - If yes, CLEARLY STATE if it was or was
not effective
Comparing and Contrasting? -Make sure to do both!
Analyzing? - Dont just list events, describe why they are important and how they relate to
other events

Introductions/Thesis Statements:
What is a thesis statement?
THE ITINERARY...INCLUDES YOUR FINAL DESTINATION!
1-2 sentences that states what your essay is about
Defendable position in response to the prompt

Introductory Paragraph:
THE ROAD MAP...
At least 4-5 sentences long
Expounds/supports a thesis statement

Supporting Evidence:
THE STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS - Body of the Essay...the historical BREADCRUMBS to support
your position.
Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that relates to part of your thesis/introductory
paragraph.
Remember bring in scale/geographical reach,
Conclude the essay by extending or (if need be) modifying the thesis statement.

Tips:
Define historical terms!
Be careful of overgeneralizing
Dont use all, never, always etc.

Focus on sophisticated vocabulary


Instead of writing: says, states, shows, feels, etc
Use: demonstrates, portrays, depicts, illustrates, symbolizes, exemplifies,
articulates, etc.

Never, EVER use I or you


Instead of saying, As you can see, the causes of World War I were. write:
The events contributing to the outbreak of World War I were

Sample Essay Topic #1:


PROMPT: Analyze the factors that changed the relationship between Britain and its
colonies in the aftermath of the French and Indian War.
Thesis statement:
In 1763, seeking revenue to help offset the costs of the Seven Years War, the British took a
more hands on approach to its colonies in America, ending an era known as salutary
neglect, which changed the relationship between Britain and its colonies. Ultimately, this was
first of many factors that would begin the pathway to the Revolutionary War.

Background Sentences: (setting the stage for the rest of the essay)
When the French and Indian War concluded, drastically changing the makeup of North
America. Great Britain extended its control of the continent, and their enemy, the French,
were removed. However, the victory didnt eliminate problems for the English, but instead led
to new challenges.

Sample Essay Topic #2:


PROMPT: How did westward expansion contribute to tensions between the North and
South? Confine your answer to 1800 1850.
Thesis Statement:
Westward expansion caused domestic issues. As the US gained territory, tensions began to
develop between the North and South regarding slavery in this newly acquired land.
Ultimately, this expansion helped propel the United States towards Civil War in 1861.

Background Sentences:
The early to mid-19th century saw the United States expand its borders at an unprecedented
rate. Beginning with the Louisiana Purchase, the US expanded from the Mississippi River to
the Pacific Ocean at the conclusion of the MexicanAmerican War.

Sample Essay Topic #3:


PROMPT: Thomas Jefferson strictly interpreted the Constitution throughout his political
career. Assess the validity of this statement.
Thesis Statement:
When Thomas Jefferson became President in 1801, he strictly interpreted the Constitution.
However, by the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Thomas Jefferson gradually loosened
his hold on strict interpretation, and ultimately helped increase the power of the presidency
by lessening his strict interpretation..

Background Sentences:
In the newly formed government under the Constitution, Thomas Jefferson strictly interpreted
the constitution. He advocated that the government could only do what the Constitution
explicitly stated. When Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of the Bank of the United
States, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was an outspoken critic, claiming the creation of
the Bank was beyond the powers of the federal government.

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