Understanding Complexity Points in Essays

The video tutorial clarifies misconceptions about earning the complexity point in DBQ or LEQ essays. It explains that adding a paragraph at the end of an essay for synthesis is outdated since 2016. Instead, the complexity point, introduced in 2017, requires making connections throughout the essay. The tutorial advises spreading these connections across the entire essay to meet the current rubric's requirements.

What is the common misconception about earning the complexity point in essays?

• It requires a separate paragraph at the end.

• It involves using complex vocabulary.

• It depends on the number of sources used.

• It is based on the length of the essay.

What was the outdated method for earning complexity points called?

• Analysis

• Synthesis

• Comparison

• Evaluation

According to the current rubric, how should complexity be demonstrated in an essay?

• By including a bibliography

• By using historical quotes

• By adding a conclusion paragraph

• By making connections throughout the essay

What is the key change in the complexity point rubric since 2017?

• It requires a minimum word count.

• It mandates the use of primary sources.

• It focuses on the entire essay rather than a single paragraph.

• It emphasizes the use of modern examples.

What should students do if they already know how to make connections across time periods?

• Continue doing it but spread it throughout the essay

• Include more direct quotes

• Focus only on the introduction

• Add more historical dates

What is the speaker's advice for students regarding the current complexity point rubric?

• Use more complex language

• Focus on a single historical event

• Write longer essays

• Integrate connections throughout the essay