AP World history writing skills
successful tips for that 5 on the exam
THe FRQ lineup |
Want to GET A FIVE?: Write better essays.
Earning just 1 extra point on each of the 3 essays is the equivalent of almost 8 m/c questions! (Each essay point is worth 2.59 m/c questions, so 3 x 2.59 = 7.77) Remember, 60% of your AP Test Score = Essays.
Do not sleep on this. You will regret it. The exam will consist of four parts:
Remember, the AP College Board will write FRQ prompts that emphasize the 5 SPICE Themes:
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Approaches for any essay you are asked to write
1. READ: Read the prompt, read the prompt, & read the prompt! Many students begin their essay after only a careless glance of the question. The difference between a response that receives a “1” and one that receives a “5” is sometimes determined by a simple thing: Did the student answer the question/prompt as it was presented? 2. PLAN: Write an outline, brief structural plan, or list of ideas to convey that would answer the prompt. An outline will help organize your thoughts & create a path for where your essay will go. Write down corresponding events, buzzwords, & facts that will serve as evidence to support your thesis. 3. THESIS: Write a solid, well-worded thesis that answers the prompt. This is the central component of your essay. Keep referring back to your thesis whenever you as you write. The body paragraphs back up and prove your thesis. 4. WRITE: Notice it is in step 4 that we finally begin writing. Without the first 3 steps, your essay has no structure, accuracy, or guidance. Be sure to write clearly & concisely. Do not get lost in your ideas. Coherent essays earn a good score. 5. NEAT: Last but, most importantly: Write legibly. If the "readers" (graders really, but they don't like calling themselves that!) are not able to understand your ideas—they will not give you credit for them! |
The DBQ Essay |
How to WHAP! the DBQ
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Mr. Bartlet's guide to DBQs
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The Comparative essay
Provides a Solid Thesis - answers the prompt.
Each body paragraph should contain: T A S C:
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the ccot essay
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Mr. Bartlet's CCOT Review
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