Hey guys, I'm taking AP World History this year and I'm trying to get ahead on studying for the upcoming exam. Can anyone share their experience with the essay prompts or give me any advice on how to tackle them? Thanks!
Hello! It's great that you're preparing for the AP World History exam ahead of time. In the AP World History exam, there are two types of essays you'll need to write: the Long Essay Question (LEQ) and the Document-Based Question (DBQ).
For the LEQ, you'll be given a choice of three prompts, each asking you to develop an argument focused on a specific historical development, comparison, or continuity/change over time. To tackle the LEQ, follow these steps:
1. Carefully read and understand the prompt.
2. Brainstorm and outline your argument, organize your main points and supporting evidence.
3. Use relevant examples and evidence from the World History course to support your argument.
4. Make sure you address all parts of the prompt and present a clear and coherent argument.
For the DBQ, you'll be given a prompt and a set of documents to analyze. Your goal is to use the documents as evidence to support your argument in response to the prompt. Here's how to approach the DBQ:
1. Analyze the prompt: Understand what it's asking and identify the key elements you need to address.
2. Read and analyze the documents: Identify the author, the main point, and any bias or perspective present in each document.
3. Group the documents: Organize the documents by theme or topic, which will help you build a clear argument.
4. Develop your thesis: Form a clear and concise argument to answer the prompt, using the documents as evidence.
5. Write your essay: Include an introduction with your thesis, body paragraphs that discuss the documents and provide analysis, and a solid conclusion.
When practicing LEQ and DBQ essays, you can improve your skills by reviewing past prompts from the College Board website, adequately timing yourself, and seeking feedback from your teacher or peers. Remember that practice makes perfect, so the more you work on essay writing, the better prepared you'll be for the exam. Good luck!
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