Strategies for Writing LEQs

This video tutorial guides students on how to write a Long Essay Question (LEQ) for AP exams, applicable to AP World, APUSH, and AP Euro. It covers understanding the prompt, crafting a thesis, contextualizing arguments, using evidence, and achieving complexity. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of marking the prompt, understanding the rubric, and structuring paragraphs effectively. It also provides strategies for earning points and highlights common mistakes to avoid.

What is the primary challenge of writing a Long Essay Question (LEQ) on the AP exam?

• Managing time effectively

• Finding the right documents

• Choosing the correct topic

• Understanding the rubric

When reading the prompt, what is the first thing you should mark?

• The number of points available

• The categories to write about

• The historical thinking skill

• The time period given

What is essential for earning the thesis point in an LEQ?

• Making a historically defensible argument

• Including a counter-argument

• Using complex vocabulary

• Writing a lengthy introduction

What is the recommended approach for contextualization in an LEQ?

• Avoid contextualization

• Contextualize before the period

• Contextualize after the period

• Contextualize during the period

How many pieces of evidence are required at a minimum in the evidence section?

• Two

• One

• Three

• Four

What is the difference between describing and arguing with evidence?

• Describing is for context; arguing is for the thesis

• Describing is more detailed than arguing

• Describing is optional; arguing is mandatory

• Describing involves listing evidence; arguing involves analyzing it

What is the first point in the analysis and reasoning section awarded for?

• Historical reasoning

• Contextualization

• Thesis clarity

• Complexity

What is a suggested strategy to earn the complexity point?

• Use a simple thesis

• Include a counter-argument

• Focus on one piece of evidence

• Write a longer essay

Why is aiming for a five-point score recommended?

• It is easier to manage time

• The complexity point is difficult to earn

• It requires fewer paragraphs

• The rubric is simpler

What should you do if you want to attempt the complexity point?

• Focus on one argument

• Write a longer introduction

• Provide specific historical evidence

• Use general statements