how to make an leq thesis

How to Write an LEQ Essay? (Step-byStep)

Preparing to take AP History exams is always daunting — your score will play a major role in determining your future, after all. Many students find the LEQ portion of US, European, and World History exams to be the most challenging, as it requires quick thinking and relies on confident writing skills. Do you need a little extra help in preparing for your long essay question? We're here to help.

Understanding an LEQ

APUSH, AP World History, and AP European History exams feature the same question types every year. Each of the sections in your exam has an established format, and will be scored to make up a predetermined percentage of your overall exam result. Together, the types of questions you will find on your AP History exam serve to test your knowledge and analytical skills.

The APUSH exam, for instance, consists of:

• A total of 55 multiple-choice questions, which students are given 55 minutes to complete and which amount to 40 percent of the total score.
• Three SAQs, or short answer questions, in which students are called on to demonstrate their analytical skills. The SAQs represent 20 percent of the total score.
• DBQs, or document based questions, which make up 25 percent of the exam score.
• LEQs, long essay questions, which make up 15 percent of the total score.

Students will be offered two different prompts to choose from in this section of an AP History exam, and are given 40 minutes to complete a short essay with the purpose of demonstrating rhetorical and reasoning skills, as well as proving they have the required background knowledge to pass the exam.

While the LEQ portion of an AP History exam is bound to be daunting to many students, who find multiple-choice questions easier to tackle than a free response task, acing your long essay questions will be easier once you understand what the purpose of this portion of the exam is. The LEQ:

• Primarily serves to demonstrate that the student has a complex and nuanced understanding of historical events.
• Tests whether students are able to draw parallels and see contrasts in different historical events, as well as to compare and contrast distinct events or time periods.
• Puts the student's analytical and reasoning skills to the test.

Is the LEQ Hard?

Students who prepare for their AP History exams — and who have had plenty of practice in writing essays — should not find the long essay question too challenging. Students will be offered two prompts, and are given the opportunity to choose from among them.

Because the long essay question they select will prompt students to engage in a free response, and there is no clearly defined "right" or "wrong" answer, many students experience the long essay question as the most difficult part of the AP history exam. There's no need to be scared of this portion of the exam, though!

You will not primarily be judged on the beauty of the words you choose, and a formulaic response that "ticks all the right boxes", by answering the prompt in the expected format, will help you maximize your score. This ultimately means that the LEQ portion of your APUSH, World History, or European History exam does not have to be difficult, as long as you practice in advance and are familiar with the expectations being placed on you.

How Is the LEQ Scored?

The prompts students are able to choose from change every year — but the scoring guidelines for the LEQ remain consistent. Grading personnel will be on the lookout for evidence that students:

• Address the prompt directly. You will be given a clear task, and you will need to show that you have understood the prompt.
• Offer clear reasoning for the position they choose to take in the essay, citing evidence from the material encountered in the AP History coursework that precedes the exam.
• Draw on the wider historical context relevant to the chosen prompt, by addressing developments that occurred before the events in the prompt, by pointing to the effects of the event referenced in the prompt, or by comparing it to another event.
• Offer specific examples relevant to the prompt.
• Can compare and contrast the referenced event, or point to cause and effect. Alternatively, students may demonstrate complex understanding by discussing multiple consequences, causes, or variables related to the prompt.

You may notice that the beauty of your writing is not addressed in any of these points — especially artful wording or syntax cannot lead to additional points, because the examiners are looking for evidence that you have meaningfully interacted with your AP History classes, instead. It is therefore sensible to focus all your efforts on answering the LEQ prompt, without agonizing over your stylistic choices.

How to Format the APUSH LEQ?

While students are free to format their long essay questions in any way they would like, a five-paragraph essay format is extremely effective. This format offers students the chance to write an introduction in which they state their thesis — the historically-defensible claim they are making in the essay. They can then write three supporting paragraphs in which they elaborate on the thesis and explain why it is valid. Finally, such an essay should have a concluding paragraph in which the thesis is restated and defended in brief.

Students who believe they need additional paragraphs to defend their thesis can certainly write more, but each supporting paragraph in the body of the essay must speak to the prompt, by providing evidence to back the thesis up, in order for the student to gain as many points as possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an LEQ Essay

Are you preparing for your AP History exams? Practice makes perfect — and practicing for your LEQ will help you knock an effective essay, one that ticks all the right boxes, out in no time. Practice using these techniques by looking up LEQ prompts from previous years!

1. Read the LEQ Prompts Carefully

Before you write a response to the long essay question of your choice, take the time to read both prompts carefully. You have 40 minutes to complete the entire LEQ portion of your AP History exam, and you would be advised to take at least 30 seconds to a minute to decide which prompt you are most likely to be able to answer well. Consider which topic you know more about, and what specific evidence you could offer to support your claim.

2. Formulate Your Response In Your Mind

Keeping in mind that students are expected to address the prompt directly, to formulate a thesis, to back it up with specific evidence, and to place their answers into a broader historical context, think about the points you would like to include in the response to your long essay question.

Take the time to formulate a specific and defensible thesis, and think about the evidence and context you can offer to support your claim. If you can, include a hook that will interest the person grading your LEQ, such as a quote, statistic, or interesting fact. Consider strong ways to end your LEQ essay, paying special attention to your concluding sentence.

Overall, this preparatory work should take you up to five minutes.

3. Write Your LEQ Response

Now that you have outlined the formula of your response in your mind, you can go ahead and write down your answer. Your LEQ should begin with an introductory paragraph, which will include your thesis statement. The next paragraphs in your LEQ essay should be devoted to showing why your thesis is defensible, using material you mastered during your AP History classes. Finish off with a concluding paragraph that clearly lays out why the points made in your essay are valid. You can take around 30 minutes crafting your LEQ essay.

4. Edit and Proofread Your LEQ Response

Finally, you will want to look over your LEQ essay and to check for grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Correct those, as needed.

How to Pass the APUSH LEQ Exam

Do you suffer from essay-related "stage fright"? Are you a history buff, but was writing never your strongest point? Don't worry — it is entirely possible to earn a good score on the LEQ portion of any AP History exam without being a great writer. You can increase your chances of earning a great score on the LEQ portion of an AP US, European, or World History exam by:

• Using prompts used during previous years to practice for this portion of your exam — the more you practice, the easier it will be to simply write.
• Analyzing the prompt carefully, being sure to pay attention to the core message.
• Offering specific examples to show why the claim you are making is valid.
• Offering a broader context to show that you understand how the topic addressed in the LEQ relates to other historical events.

The long essay question requires writing, but the quality of your writing is not being examined — to pass your APUSH LEQ exam, you simply need to understand what expectations are being placed on you. If you arrive fully prepared, you will not have any trouble!

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• How to Write an Effective Claim (with Examples)
• How to Write a Counter Argument (Step-by-Step Guide)
• How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps
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How to Craft a Robust LEQ Thesis: Key Steps and Techniques

The Long Essay Question (LEQ) forms an integral part of the AP examination. It tests your ability to articulate a thesis and substantiate it with evidence and historical reasoning.

Understanding the LEQ

An LEQ asks you to write about a specific topic related to world, US, or European history. It involves constructing a robust thesis answerable through historical evidence and reasoning. The thesis must be placed in either the introduction or conclusion section of your essay, and it must be a few consecutive sentences long.

Stages of Handling the LEQ

Creating a successful LEQ involves several stages:

• Planning : Before you start writing, take some time to analyze the prompt and plan your essay. Even if you are pressured with time, planning is critical to your success.
• Brainstorming : Break down the question and understand the requested reasoning skill. From there, brainstorm what you know about the topic, separating ideas into context or evidence notes.
• Writing : After successfully creating a plan you like, you can start writing. Ensure your introductory paragraph includes contextualization and a complex thesis. Remember, your body paragraphs will vary in length but should maintain a consistent structure.

Writing a Complex Thesis

The thesis is the backbone of your essay. It introduces your main argument or claim, which is then supported with evidence and analysis. A strong thesis must be “historically defensible” – the evidence you present must be plausible.

Frequently, a complex thesis incorporates a counterclaim or an alternate viewpoint.

Importance of Contextualization

Contextualization involves providing a brief statement that outlines the broader historical background relevant to the prompt that can help readers understand the specific topic and argument you’re making. This is typically included in your introduction. Your contextualization must refer to events, developments and/or processes beyond the prompt’s time and place and must be connected to your thesis or argument.

Use of Evidence

Evidence is the backbone of your LEQ argument. Your evidence is drawn directly from your historical knowledge. Good evidence is accurate, relevant to the prompt, and specific.

Evidence should substantially populate your main body paragraphs, with each paragraph ideally having two pieces of quality evidence or more.

Analysis and Reasoning

Beyond having evidence, this phase is about using that evidence to support your argument. The recurring theme in your essay: connect your evidence back to your topic sentence and/or thesis. A good argument needs structure and your reasoning skills to create that structure.

Role of Complexity

The College Board rewards essays that demonstrate a complex understanding of the topic of the prompt. A complex argument often starts with a complex thesis, which can include a counter-claim or an alternate viewpoint.

Conclusions

The art of writing an LEQ entails creating a sophisticated thesis, providing contextual information, and supporting the thesis with historical evidence. Mastering the elements of crafting an LEQ might seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, it becomes much easier and leads to great success in your AP exams.

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How to Write a DBQ, LEQ, & SAQ

General tips.

• Planning, reading, and annotating documents  (15 minutes) and writing essay (40 minutes) 
• Do NOT answer the question in bullet points.
• Read the question carefully.
• Use the language of the prompt to directly answer the questions.
• Look for key action words and circle them (describe, analyze, explain, identify, etc). 
• Look for plurals (ex: reason vs. reasons), if something is plural you must do two!
• USe specific proper nouns that are given in each part of the question. This will support what you are trying to say and will give you credibility. 

ACE The question

• Answer the question using a claim or topic sentence 
• Cite specific factual evidence
• Explain how the evidence proves the claim

DBQ: Requirements

• A DBQ is a document based question where you take information from given documents and write an essay
• There is no set format for DBQ writing, however there are certain things you have to touch up on which are 
• Thesis/Claim 
• Contextualization 

Analysis and Reasoning 

DBQ: Outline

Contextualization

• Conclusion (if you have time)
• Contextualization includes historical information relevant to the prompt
• Think before, during, and after what you are going to be writing about.
• Should be 3-4 sentences.
•        Last sentence is your thesis statement.

1.A Thesis Statement

• Your thesis statement is trying to prove a point.
• DO NOT RESTATE THE PROMPT.
• Should be 1-2 sentences.
• Be specific! 
• A strong thesis answers the “How” or “Why” question about your topic through a specific language.
• Should include date (can be centuries) and location.
• Ex: “ [Event] changed [example #1], [example #2], and [example #3] realities in [given place] during [date].” 
• Body paragraphs  
• Your body paragraphs go into detail for what you are trying to prove.
• Focus on these main categories (think PERSIANS ) based on your promt (remember, you will not need to cover all of these in your body paragraphs , but these are good ways to get analysis points. Political Social, and Economic are the ones that will show up the most).
• I ntellectual
• N ear (Geographical location)
• S ignificant Figures 

What should be included

• Document citations (you can just say “Doc #” next to where you add your information pertaining to the document).
• Description of document (even if it is a picture of a painting, you still have to describe it).
• Why does the document pertain to your thesis statement?
• For at least half of the documents you need to state at least one of the following and explain why it is relevant
• Credibility; is the document reliable?
• Point of view of the author
• Purpose of the document
• Intended audience (who would support/refute)
• *Remember, the whole point of doing this is to strengthen your argument. Choose something that is relevant to what you are talking about so you can earn points!
• Refresh everything that you have stated BRIEFLY.
• Try to end powerful, you want to show you have a complex understanding on what you are talking about.

Scoring on AP Exam 

Thesis/Claim

Responds to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis/claim that establishes a line of reasoning.

The thesis must make a claim that responds to the prompt rather than restating or rephrasing the prompt. The thesis must consist of one or more sentences located in one place, either in the introduction or the conclusion.

Describes a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.

The response must relate the topic of the prompt to broader historical events, developments, or processes that occur before, during, or continue after the time frame of the question. This point is not awarded for merely a phrase or reference.

Evidence from Documents

Uses content of 

At least three documents to address the topic of the prompt

Supports an argument in response to the prompt using at least six documents

Evidence from Beyond the Documents 

Uses at least one additional piece of the specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to an argument about the prompt.

To earn one point, the response must accurately describe — rather than simply quote — the content from at least three of the documents. 

To earn two points, the response must accurately describe — rather than simply quote — the content from at least six documents. In addition, the response must use the content of the documents to support an argument in response to the prompt

To earn one point, the response must accurately describe — rather than simply quote — the content from at least three of the documents. To earn two points, the response must accurately describe — rather than simply quote — the content from at least six documents. In addition, the response must use the content of the documents to support an argument in response to the prompt

 For at least three documents, explains how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument. 

Demonstrates a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question.

To earn this point, the response must explain how or why (rather than simply identifying) the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, or audience is relevant to an argument about the prompt for each of the three documents sourced. 

A response may demonstrate a complex understanding in a variety of ways, such as: • Explaining nuance of an issue by analyzing multiple variables • Explaining both similarity and difference, or explaining both continuity and change, or explaining multiple causes, or explaining both cause and effect • Explaining relevant and insightful connections within and across periods • Confirming the validity of an argument by corroborating multiple perspectives across themes • Qualifying or modifying an argument by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence This understanding must be part of the argument. 

(from AP history DBQ rubric (7 points) - MRCASEYHISTORY. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://mrcaseyhistory.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/ap-dbq-rubric-and-reasoning-skills.pdf ) 

LEQ: Requirements

• An LEQ is long essay question that is usually compare/contrast or cause/effect.
• Thesis based prompt. 
• Should take around 40-50 minutes.
• 15% of total grade. 
• You do NOT NEED to have a five paragraph essay, you need as many to make your point.

LEQ: Outline

• Body paragraph #1
• Body paragraph #2
• Conclusion (if you have extra time). 
•        Last Sentence is your thesis statement.
• Your thesis statement is what you are trying to prove.
• A strong thesis answers the “How” or “Why” question about your topic through a specific language. 
• Should have at least three points 
• ex:  if you are comparing and contrasting the French and American Revolutions,  you can have two differences and one similarity, or one similarly and two differences. 
• “While both [topic 1] and [topic 2] are similar in [similarity #1], they are different in terms of [difference #1] and [difference #2].”
• Body paragraphs 
• Your body paragraphs go into detail for what you are trying to prove
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
• Ex: X caused significant [selected PERSIANS] change during [given period].
• Focus on these main categories (think PERSIANS ) based on your prompt (remember, you will not need to cover all of these in your body paragraphs , but these are good ways to get analysis points. Political, Social, and Economic are the ones that will show up the most).
• Specific examples and analysis to prove your thesis.
• Background information (bringing in an outside source of information) (ex: if you are talking about American and French Revolutions, you can talk about the Haitian Revolution). 
• BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE.
• However if you do not know something, do not make something up.

Scoring on AP Exam

Scoring Criteria

Decision Rules

Provides specific examples of evidence relevant to the topic of the prompt.

Supports an argument in response to the prompt using specific and relevant examples of evidence.

To earn one point, the response must identify specific historical examples of evidence relevant to the topic of the prompt.

To earn two points the response must use specific historical evidence to support an argument in response to the prompt.

Analysis and Reasoning

Uses historical reasoning (e.g. comparison, causation, CCOT) to frame or structure an argument that addresses the prompt.

To earn the first point, the response must demonstrate the use of historical reasoning to frame or structure an argument, although the reasoning might be uneven or imbalanced.

To earn the second point, the response must demonstrate a complex understanding. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as:

• Explaining nuance of an issue by analyzing multiple variables

• Explaining both similarity and difference, or explaining both continuity and change, or explaining multiple causes, or explaining both causes and effects

• Explaining relevant and insightful connections within and across periods

• Confirming the validity of an argument by corroborating multiple perspectives across themes

• Qualifying or modifying an argument by considering diverse or alternative views or evidence This understanding must be part of the argument, not merely a phrase or reference.

(From AP history long essay question (LEQ) rubric (6 points). (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2023, from http://www.sultztonianinstitute.com/uploads/7/8/5/5/7855396/leq-rubric.pdf ) 

SAQ: Requirements

• An SAQ (Short answer question) allows students to show their knowledge to answer questions from key concepts through a few sentences.
• Does not require a thesis statement.
• Does require complete sentences.
• Usually broken into parts A,B, and C, but sometimes one section might ask two questions (for example, part A might ask two questions and B will ask one) but there will always be three questions asked. 
• There is limited space to answer, so be careful not to overwrite!
• At least half of the questions will include a reference of some sort (ex: photos, charts, graphs) that could be primary or secondary.
• 40 minutes in total to answer all SAQs.

SAQ: Scoring

• Each part of the SAQ is worth 1 point, therefore there are 9 possible points to earn.
• Worth 20% of overall grade (most students who get a 5 get at least 7/9 points on the SAQ).
• Considered “rough drafts” (grammatical errors will not count against you).
• Points are earned through historical accuracy, quality of explanations, and depth of description that answer the question. 
• Remember points are only earned on AP exams. If you do not know something the worst thing you could do is not answer. ANSWER EVERYTHING!

SAQ Outline Example

• The Neolithic Revolution has been seen by many historians as the biggest cause of the early advent of civilizations.
• a)  Identify and explain ONE argument that supports the assertion above.
• b)  Identify and explain ONE argument that refutes the assertion above.
• c)  Explain which is more useful, (a) or (b), in evaluating the assertion above.

Scoring Guide for the above question

●  One point for ​identifying​ and explaining​ one argument that supports the Neolithic Revolution being the biggest cause of the early advent of civilizations. .

• ●  One point for ​identifying​ and explaining​ one argument that refutes (disproves) the idea that the Neolithic Revolution was the biggest cause of the early advent of civilizations.
• ●  One point for ​explaining ​which argument, (a) or (b), is more useful in evaluating the assertion that the Neolithic Revolution was the biggest cause of the early advent of civilizations.

(Birdville ISD / Overview. (n.d.). from https://www.birdvilleschools.net/ ) 

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LEQ (Meaning, Nature, Application skills, Scoring, Expert tips to writing)

• by Stella-maris Achumba
• November 9, 2021

Do you hear about LEQ, but don’t know what it means? Then, this article is for you.

LEQ stands for “Long Essay Question.” It is an Advanced Placement (AP) historical language for a thesis -evident essay.

It is a type of essay introduced by the College Board as a part of their “re-structure,” beginning with the 2016 AP exam. 

Thus, LEQ exam is a question or task requiring students to develop a thesis and then use proof to support it.

Table of Contents

Nature of LEQ:

The long essay question evaluates students’ ability to apply historical knowledge in an analytical and complex manner. 

Moreover, the AP European History exam gives two LEQs. Students often have the option of choosing just one of the LEQs to answer.

The exam lasts for 35 minutes and makes up 15% of the final exam score. Moreso, it is graded on a 0-6 point scale.   

Each of the LEQs on the AP exam evaluates either the comparison, periodization, causation, or change and continuity over time. 

Historical Skills Used in the Application of LEQ Questions

These can otherwise be referred to as “types of LEQs” by some persons. These types of skills help with responding to an LEQ prompt. The skills include:

Causation:  

Here, you are expected to recognize, analyze, and assess multiple cause and effect relationships in a historical context, showing your ability to differentiate between the short and long term.

Change and Continuity Over Time:  

The ability to detect, investigate, and assess the dynamics of historical continuity and change over diverse time periods, as well as the relationship between these transitional patterns and larger historical themes or processes, is the application of your historical knowledge.

Periodization:

This involves your ability to utilize your historical knowledge well in the description, analysis, evaluation, and construction of models of historical periods. 

Because historians recognize that certain dates favor one narrative, group, or category over another, the transition of periodization can modify a historical narrative.

 Also, the specific situations and settings in which individual historians function and write would determine their interpretations of previous events.

Compare and Contrast:  

Historical thinking engages the ability of you to explain, compare, and evaluate multiple historical advancements within societies, could be one or more different societies, and in several chronological orders.

Related article: What is DBQ? (Meaning, format, DBQ Score, How-to)

Scoring Requirements for the Long Essay Question(LEQ)

A student is scored based on their ability to demonstrate historical knowledge effectively on past events. Below are the requirements used in scoring and grading students.

A thesis or claim that is relevant to the prompt should be made. It must be historically justifiable, and a path of reasoning must be developed.

Provision of relevant contexts to the prompt by depicting a wider historical process or development facilitates scores.

Relevant and specific examples should be cited as proof to support an argument as a response to the prompt.

Historical Skill: 

Ensure to use a historical reasoning skill, causation, periodization, compare and contrast or change, and continuity, to establish an argument response to the prompt.

Complex Understanding: 

Demonstrate a vast understanding of an argument that provides answers to the prompt using evidence to qualify, support, or modify the argument.

How to write the Long Essay Question(LEQ)

Introduction:.

• Make a contextualized start to your essay, then connect it to your overall topic.
• Then, using data to establish your topic sentence, write a structured body paragraph using one of the course reasoning skills (causation, periodization, comparison and contrast, change, and continuity through time).
• Continue with an analysis that expands on your main point.
• Continue in this manner until the prompt has been properly addressed.

Your introduction must include your contextualization and thesis.

It is a statement that establishes your place and time in history and then a short but concise description of the historical setting.

Moreover, link the relevant context to the prompt theme and topic, no matter how broad.

Then, make a thesis or claim that responds to the prompt, with a general overview of your interpretations and any counter-claim you intend to address.

Body Paragraphs: 

Body paragraphs will differ in length based on the number of documents or other evidence pieces included in your work. However, this should follow a regular structure.

Firstly, begin with a topic sentence that shows the particular aspect of the prompt the paragraph will address.

After that, outline specific points to guide you. These points for topic sentences will assist you with staying focused.

Then, support your topic sentence with an evidence piece and link it to your thesis and topic sentence.

Keep on repeating this with one to two pieces of evidence and more elaborations until you have completed the argument of your topic sentence.

New Paragraph?

Kick-off a new paragraph with a new topic sentence.

All body paragraphs follow this general format, and there is no limit to the number of paragraphs for the LEQ.

However, ensure to write as many paragraphs as needed to enable you fully respond to the prompt by formulating the argument (and counter-argument where applicable) from your thesis.

Conclusion:  

Unlike the introduction and necessary body paragraphs, the conclusion is, however, optional.

Depending on the time left, you may choose to write a conclusion if you do have time. Writing isn’t a must for you, so you may not do it if you’re rushed. 

But, it is noteworthy that the conclusion is the only place where you can earn or score the thesis point outside the introduction, so it’s not bad to strive in giving it a trial.

Here, you could re-state your thesis in a new way using different words or give any concluding thoughts in respect to analysis about your topic.

You might as well make your complexity point more tangible and concrete in the conclusion if written well.

Tips to writing a Good Long Essay Question(LEQ)

• Write essays using the third person pronoun, not the first person pronoun; that is, use “we” instead of “I.”
• Ensure to define or explain key terms. 
• Be particular about your choice of words.
• Be objective
• Add counter-claims where applicable
• Communicate history complexity awareness
• Concentrate more on the thesis in the conclusion
• Enable understanding of the logical formulation and organization of your argument.  

Conclusively, an LEQ is a type of question, like the DBQ organized by the College Board used in assessing students’ knowledge on historical past events.

Typically, it is the second part of section II of the AP United States history exam where students have to choose one.

The key steps to completing the LEQ include: analyzing the question, gathering substantial evidence, developing or formulating a thesis, writing the introduction, body/supporting paragraphs, and then conclusion if time permits you.

You could as well evaluate or proofread your essay.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

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• Expert tips to LEQ
• Long essay question
• Meaning of LEQ
• Nature of LEQ
• Scoring of LEQ

Stella-maris Achumba

Hello, I am Stella-maris! For two years, I began actively assisting students in the United States, and Canada in their pursuit of college advice and scholarship prospects. I am a content writer at www.schoolandtravel.com.

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AP EURO Lesson 46 - How to Write an LEQ

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How to write an “leq” in ap history.

Introductory Paragraph Contextualization: Write 3-4 sentences describing the historical context. (Situate the topic within larger historical events, developments of processes. Provide relevant background information to better understand the topic. (Think: historical setting.) Example stems: - In the ____ period, (region/empire/group) ...... - The ____ period consisted of (identify specific trends).... One/two (empires/civilizations/societies) were ...... Thesis/Claim: Write one or more sentences that directly answers the question and identifies specific ideas to be discussed in the body paragraph. These answers make up the argument Example stems: - Although Y because of effects/causes (a,b,c), therefor X o because of changes/continuities o because of similarities/differences For Each Body Paragraph (One body paragraph per argument identified in thesis) POINT (Topic Sentence): Specifically state one of the arguments from the thesis (a,b,c). Example stem: One (theme) effect/similarity/change was ........ EVIDENCE: Then describe at least one specific example. This part should be one to two sentences. Example stem: One example was.... EXPLANATION: Explain how the evidence illustrates the argument stated. This part should be two to three sentences. Example stem: Example 1 showed this by.... ANALYSIS: Analyze how and/or why it relates to topic and prompt of the question. Do this by using a historical reasoning skill such as comparison, causation, or continuities and changes over time as directed by the prompt. This should be another one to two sentences. Example stems: - Causation: This was caused by Example 1 because ..... - CCOT: This was a change because ..... It changed because.... - CCOT: This remained constant because ..... - Comparison: This was similar/different in that/because...... SECOND EVIDENCE – Repeat previous structure SECOND EXPLANATION – Repeat previous structure SECOND ANALYSIS – Repeat previous structure - Causation: Example 1 led to Example 2 because ... Conclusion: If time allows, restate your thesis or claim and/or summarize your arguments.

• Multiple Choice

Course : History Of United States (HIS 101)

University : california state university dominguez hills.

• More from: History Of United States HIS 101 California State University Dominguez Hills 187   Documents Go to course

How to Write a LEQ for APUSH, AP World, & AP Euro

TLDR The video script offers a comprehensive guide on how to tackle long essay questions (LEQs) in AP exams, emphasizing the importance of understanding the prompt, marking key details such as time periods and historical thinking skills, and structuring the essay to align with the rubric. It provides strategies for crafting a strong thesis, contextualizing the argument, utilizing evidence effectively, and incorporating analysis and reasoning. The speaker also recommends aiming for a score of 5 out of 6 possible points, and suggests resources for further preparation.

• 📝 Understand the LEQ format: The LEQ (Long Essay Question) is the final part of the AP exam, where students have 40 minutes to write an essay without external help.
• 🎯 Choose the right question: Students are given three options for the LEQ, and should select the one they know the most about to maximize their score.
• 🖋️ Read the prompt carefully: Mark up the prompt to identify the time period, historical thinking skill required (e.g., causation), and the categories to compare or analyze.
• 📈 Develop a strong thesis: The thesis must be historically defensible, take a clear stand, and establish a line of reasoning, using specific historical evidence.
• 📝 Use thesis formulas: Two formulas are suggested - a complex one from John Irish ('Although X because A and B, therefore Y') and a simpler one ('restate important parts of the prompt because A and B').
• 🌍 Provide historical context: Write a paragraph before the main argument to contextualize the thesis within a larger historical context, using specific historical evidence.
• 🔍 Use evidence effectively: Describe and argue with evidence, with at least two pieces of evidence used throughout the essay to support the thesis.
• 📊 Structure paragraphs properly: Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, evidence, and a connection back to the thesis, demonstrating how the evidence supports the argument.
• 🏆 Aim for a high score: While the rubric allows for up to six points, aiming for five is advised as the complexity point is challenging to achieve.
• 💡 Show causation or other historical thinking skills: The essay should demonstrate the skill required by the prompt, such as causation, change, or comparison.
• 🌟 Add complexity if possible: To earn the complexity point, consider weaving a counter-argument throughout the essay with specific historical evidence that could support it.

What is the LEQ in the context of AP exams?

- The LEQ, or Long Essay Question, is a part of the AP exam that requires students to write an essay without the aid of documents or external help, typically within a 40-minute time frame. It is the last section of the exam and can significantly impact the student's overall score.

How does the scoring rubric work for the LEQ?

- The LEQ is graded using a rubric that awards up to six points. The first point is for the thesis, the second for contextualization, and two points for evidence, with the final point for analysis and reasoning. Each section has specific requirements that must be met to earn the points.

What are the three key elements to mark on the essay prompt?

- The three key elements to mark on the essay prompt are the time period, the historical thinking skill required, and the categories to write about. These elements guide the structure and content of the essay.

What is the importance of thesis in the LEQ?

- The thesis is crucial in the LEQ as it sets the argument and the line of reasoning for the essay. It must be historically defensible and establish how the argument will be defended, often using specific historical evidence.

How can a student effectively contextualize their argument?

- To effectively contextualize their argument, a student should provide a brief historical background before the period they are writing about, using specific historical evidence and demonstrating its relevance to the argument.

What is the minimum number of pieces of evidence required in the LEQ?

- The rubric requires a minimum of two pieces of evidence, as it specifies 'pieces of evidence' plural, indicating that at least two are needed to describe or argue within the essay.

What is the difference between describing and arguing with evidence?

- Describing evidence involves naming and defining it, while arguing with evidence requires using it to substantiate the thesis and demonstrating how it supports the essay's overall argument.

How can a student earn the complexity point in the analysis and reasoning section?

- A student can earn the complexity point by weaving a counter-argument throughout the essay, using specific historical evidence that could support the counter-argument, and acknowledging alternative interpretations of the evidence.

What is the advice for students struggling with the LEQ?

- Students struggling with the LEQ should aim for a score of five out of six, as the complexity point is challenging to earn. They should also consider using a thesis formula, such as the one by John Irish, and focus on structuring their paragraphs effectively with topic sentences and evidence.

How much time is allocated for the LEQ in the AP exam?

- Students are given 40 minutes to complete the LEQ in the AP exam.

What are some tips for writing a successful LEQ?

- Tips for writing a successful LEQ include thoroughly reading and marking the prompt, understanding the rubric, creating a strong thesis, providing historical context, using at least two pieces of evidence, arguing effectively with evidence, and incorporating historical reasoning and complexity where possible.

📝 Understanding the LEQ and its Importance

This paragraph introduces the long essay question (LEQ) as a critical part of the AP exam, emphasizing its difficulty and the need for effective strategies to achieve a perfect score. It outlines that the LEQ is the final task in the exam, where students have 40 minutes to write an essay without the aid of documents. The speaker reassures the audience that they will provide strategies to excel in the LEQ, applicable to AP World, APUSH, and AP Euro essays, which are all graded using the same rubric. The paragraph also mentions the speaker's more comprehensive courses for further guidance.

🎯 Strategies for Approaching the LEQ

The speaker provides a step-by-step guide for tackling the LEQ. The first step is to thoroughly read and understand the prompt, marking key elements such as the time period, historical thinking skill required (e.g., causation), and the categories to compare. The speaker stresses the importance of identifying these aspects to avoid common mistakes. They also mention that the College Board provides information on the time periods in advance, which students should be familiar with to select the most suitable essay topic.

📈 Crafting a Strong Thesis and Understanding the Rubric

The speaker explains the importance of crafting a strong thesis for the LEQ, which must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning. They provide two formulas for constructing the thesis: a complex one from John Irish and a simpler alternative. The speaker also discusses the rubric, detailing the six points available, and advises aiming for five to ensure a focused and effective essay. They explain the requirements for earning points for the thesis, contextualization, evidence, and analysis, providing specific examples and advice for each section.

📝 Structuring the Essay and Aiming for Complexity

The speaker continues with advice on structuring the essay, focusing on the evidence section where students can earn up to two points for both describing and arguing with evidence. They clarify the difference between describing and arguing, emphasizing the need to tie evidence back to the thesis. The speaker then discusses the analysis and reasoning section, where points are awarded for demonstrating historical thinking skills and complexity. They suggest weaving a counter-argument throughout the essay to earn the complexity point and provide guidance on using specific historical evidence to support this counter-argument.

💡 Historical Thinking Skill

💡 contextualization, 💡 analysis and reasoning, 💡 complexity, 💡 counterargument, 💡 john irish thesis.

The LEQ is a challenging part of the AP exam that requires students to write an essay without any documents or help.

To achieve a perfect score on the LEQ, understanding the prompt and marking it up for time period, historical thinking skill, and categories is crucial.

The College Board provides information on the time periods for LEQ questions in their course and exam descriptions.

The LEQ is the last part of the exam and students have 40 minutes to complete it.

For the thesis, it must be historically defensible and establish a line of reasoning, with specific historical evidence.

Two formulas for writing a thesis are presented, one complex from John Irish and a simpler restatement of the prompt with specific historical evidence.

Contextualization should be done before the period in question, using specific historical evidence and demonstrating relevance to the argument.

A minimum of two pieces of evidence is required for describing or arguing in the essay, as stated by the rubric.

Describing evidence involves naming and defining it, while arguing with evidence requires tying it back to the thesis and forming a structured paragraph.

The rubric awards points for historical reasoning, complexity, and the use of evidence, with a total of six points available.

The video provides examples and templates for writing LEQs, as well as a link to an APSA cram course for further study.

The LEQ, along with DBQ and SAQ, are essential components of AP exams like AP World, APUSH, and AP Euro.

The video emphasizes the importance of not just writing about causes but also comparing them to argue which is most significant in a causation essay.

For the analysis and reasoning section, weaving a counterargument throughout the essay can help earn the complexity point.

The video offers advice on structuring paragraphs and using topic sentences that steal from the thesis for effective argumentation.

The transcript is part of a larger course that goes into greater depth on writing DBQs, LEQs, and SAQs for AP exams.

Transcripts

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