How to Write an APUSH Thesis

How To Write an A.P. U.S.
History Thesis Statement

What is a thesis?
A thesis statement is the position a student is going to take, the argument that is going to be made.
 It is therefore the answer to the question being asked.


What is not a thesis?
The thesis statement is not a fact; it is an informed interpretation of the facts.
 Neither is the thesis/argument just an opinion. 

Instead, the thesis is the reasoned judgment of the student.

Don’t understand the prompt?
Thesis will not be good = essay flops
 Don’t feel like answering the prompt?
 JUST DO IT!


 Answering

the prompt will ensure a fair score
 Answering the prompt with good/great theses/arguments ensures a much higher score The Importance of
Understanding the Prompt
Many students want to read the question quickly and move on to writing. However, APUSH essay prompts are challenging. They ask students to perform specific writing tasks. The questions also contain qualifiers that guide and restrict your answer. Rather than taking 10 seconds to read the question, you would be better off spending 45 seconds reading, re-reading, marking, and analyzing. Remember, a mistake in understanding a question could make the rest of a student’s effort almost worthless.

Break it down like so:
Circle the task at hand (analyze, assess, compare, etc.)





Underline the historical subject/content

Box out the time period given, or assign one

Next, brainstorm (in whatever organic way makes sense to you) the information needed to answer the prompt in full.
Write a thesis statement that demonstrates an argument and the topics to come.
Double check that your thesis answers all parts of the prompt as you diagrammed it before you begin writing.

Try it!
“The South never
Discuss the political, had a chance to economic and social win the Civil War.” reforms introduced in
To what extent the South between and why do you
1864