AP US HISTORY
Help page for writing a Free Response Question essay (FRQ) and a Document Based Question essay (DBQ).
I have found another informative page of how-to-tips here. It will open as a google doc. Please read this as well! The thesis examples are very helpful examples.
Example of an 8 essay from The War of 1812 DBQ..clickA Meadows War of 1812 DBQ.docA Meadows War of 1812 DBQ.doc
DetailsDownload29 KB
. This would have received a 9 if it had more historical outside info to back up the well organized and beautifully stated thesis.
This page is going to be a collection of advice on writing FRQs and DBQs from various sources; even though the suggestions may become repetitive, it doesn't hurt to repeat advice. While writing these essays will be difficult for all of you at first, with practice throughout the year, you will become a skilled essay writer.
Advice taken from United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (Newman, Schmalbach).
Begin by reading the question. Read the entire question again. Then:
Analyze the question
Organize the specific factual information (outside info) that you know
Develop a clear, concise thesis statement that addresses ALL aspects of the question
Write the introductory paragraph
Write the supporting paragraphs and conclusion
Read and evaluate your essay
Sample FRQ, 1996, College Board, score of 9:
Free Response Question:
Analyze the extent to which two of the following influenced the development of democracy between 1820 and 1840:
Jacksonian economic policy
Changes in electoral politics
Second Great Awakening
Westward movement
The United States of America has repeatedly undergone various series in development of democracy as the central political basis on which the country was founded. Throughout history, events may or may not effectively demonstrate American democracy in its most successful form. Despite the mistakes and successes of the past, however, the United States as a
I have found another informative page of how-to-tips here. It will open as a google doc. Please read this as well! The thesis examples are very helpful examples.
Example of an 8 essay from The War of 1812 DBQ..clickA Meadows War of 1812 DBQ.docA Meadows War of 1812 DBQ.doc
DetailsDownload29 KB
. This would have received a 9 if it had more historical outside info to back up the well organized and beautifully stated thesis.
This page is going to be a collection of advice on writing FRQs and DBQs from various sources; even though the suggestions may become repetitive, it doesn't hurt to repeat advice. While writing these essays will be difficult for all of you at first, with practice throughout the year, you will become a skilled essay writer.
Advice taken from United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (Newman, Schmalbach).
Begin by reading the question. Read the entire question again. Then:
Analyze the question
Organize the specific factual information (outside info) that you know
Develop a clear, concise thesis statement that addresses ALL aspects of the question
Write the introductory paragraph
Write the supporting paragraphs and conclusion
Read and evaluate your essay
Sample FRQ, 1996, College Board, score of 9:
Free Response Question:
Analyze the extent to which two of the following influenced the development of democracy between 1820 and 1840:
Jacksonian economic policy
Changes in electoral politics
Second Great Awakening
Westward movement
The United States of America has repeatedly undergone various series in development of democracy as the central political basis on which the country was founded. Throughout history, events may or may not effectively demonstrate American democracy in its most successful form. Despite the mistakes and successes of the past, however, the United States as a