Essay Formulas Prompts - Mrs. Kopala's world of wonder

[Pages:4]AP World History Sample Essay Formulas

Use these generic formulas as a guide in your three essays so you get all your points. It is very important to go back over your old essays with comments, rubrics, and "how to write" handouts before each essay or the "test" to keep the format and formulas fresh in your mind!

Thesis Starters: Although, Despite, In spite of, During, Even though

DBQ Essay: (#1 Essay on the AP Exam)

Thesis: After analyzing the documents, (repeat key words from the prompt including the time period and list your three document groups) but make sure to specifically answer the question. Do not be vague!

? DO NOT list documents in thesis. ? No more than two sentences for the thesis. ? Absolutely NO neutral or indifferent category. Body: Documents (list at least two documents) are (describe their group) because (grouping analysis: why are they similar in this group?). In document ___, (author) believes (should support grouping and explain the document) because (do not repeat words from the document or summarize, instead give evidence of why it is in this group). The reason (author) believes this is because as a (occupation, social status, religion) he feels (this would influence his/her attitude) because (support the author's believes with their position in society). To better understand this document, the viewpoint of a (insert missing document) would be helpful because (analysis as to why you need a missing document).

Repeat this for EVERY document provided. You will have at least THREE body paragraphs. You will want to add in three missing documents if at all possible for the essay.

Compare and Contrast Essay: (#2 Essay on the AP Exam)

Thesis: During the (time period), ________ and ________ were similar/different in (category) because (give reasoning) and (category) because __________; however they are similar/different (category) because _______.

? No evidence in the thesis. ? No more than two sentences for the thesis. ? Include all important words from prompt.

Body: _______ and _______ are similar in (category) because _______. Both had (specific similarity of the category). _______ had (historical evidence of the category). (Similarly/While), _________ had (historical evidence of the category). The reason for this similarity/difference is because (analysis).

Repeat this formula at least three times. You need at least one similarity and one difference for each paragraph, for a total of three similarities and differences.

Continuity and Change Over Time Essay: (#3 Essay on the AP Exam)

Thesis: During the time period between (x) and (y) in (geographic location(s)) (category), (category), (category) remained constant in (AP Theme), while there were significant changes in (AP Theme) such as (category), (category), and (category).

? You need at least TWO continuities and at least TWO changes, but can have more of one than the other.

? No more than two sentences in the thesis and you must use of the three samples I gave you. ? Include ALL important words from the prompt, including the AP THEME.

First Body Paragraph: Continuities (or you can do changes first if you want)

Topic Sentence: During the time period (date) to (date), (world context: what event was occurring) causing many things to stay constant because (why did this event allow continuities?).

Repeat the following formula at least two times (depending on how many continuities):

One continuity between (dates) in (AP Theme) was (first category). The reason for this continuity is because (analysis). An example of this would be (evidence needs to be specific of the AP Theme). Repeat at least once more ? two would be better.

Second Body Paragraph: Changes (or you can do continuities second if you want)

Topic Sentence: During the time period (date) to (date), (world context: what event was occurring; can be the same or another event that occurred during the time period) causing many things to change because (why did this event cause changes?).

Repeat the following formula at least two times (depending on how many changes):

One change between (dates) in (AP Theme) was (first category). The reason for this change is because (analysis). An example of this would be (evidence needs to be specific of the AP Theme). Repeat at least once more ? two would be better.

Reminders for all Essays:

? Choose what essay you will write first on the AP exam after reading the prompts and using the planning time wisely.

? If the planning time runs out and you still need a few more minutes to plan, then take the time. ? Do not leave out any important words from the prompt in your thesis statement. ? Include at least 6 pieces of evidence minimum per essay. ? Conclusions are least important if you are running out of time. However, if you finish early or have

time, this is a place for extra analysis or expanded core. Or, if you have trouble with your thesis statement at the start of the essay, use the conclusion to repeat summarize what was addressed in each body paragraph. ? Give each essay a legitimate attempt. If you are unsure of the topic, use the time period to help give you clues. You must write a thesis and 2 body paragraphs of what you think might be correct ? even if you don't think you know anything about the topic. ? Drawing on your essay paper or writing irrelevant stories is unacceptable in any form. ? If you finish early, go back and reread each essay and think about the rubric. Did you leave anything out? If so, add it back in right then.

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