AP History Essay Tips

1. ANALYZE WHAT THE QUESTION IS ASKING: You may write a great essay, but if you don’t address the question, you will not do well.
2. BRAINSTORM: Write down all the information you know about the topic. Try to organize the information in outline, this will help understand  and analyze the information.
3. DEVELOP A THESIS: If you do not have a thesis, you will not do well. GOOD THESIS STATEMENTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF AN AP ESSAY
4. WRITE YOU INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Set the stage (background); present your thesis; and introduce the ideas you will use to support your thesis.
5. WRITE YOUR ESSAY: Use specific evidence to prove your thesis. Show analysis and original thought. Be sure to bring in outside information, especially when writing a DBQ.
6. Write a conclusion. This is like your introduction, only turned upside down. Start with a restatement of your thesis. Then get back into broad generalizations, maybe making connections to another topic or the future.
7. EVALUATE YOUR ESSAY: If you have time, re-read your essay and make changes to support your cause.

More Helpful Hints

1. You will be writing these essays under pressure. Stay away from flowery, creative writing and stick to the facts. (You'll have other assignments that will let you use your creativity.)
2. Include lots of facts (but make sure they pertain to the question). Pretend like you are trying to win an argument. The more facts you can use to support your argument (your thesis), the stronger your case will be.
3. Don't make your reader do your job for you. If you are supposed to be comparing or contrasting, use words like "similarly" or "conversely" in your writing. Leave no doubt in the reader's mind that you know what you are talking about.
4. Don't use first person.
5. Don't paint yourself into a corner by using words like always and never.
6. Don't be too judgmental. Don't say things are the best, the worst, etc.
7. Do not write, "In conclusion," or "as you can see."