AP History Essay Writing Strategies

This video tutorial explains the Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay format for APUSH, AP World, and AP Euro exams. It covers the test format, timing, and the importance of developing a strong thesis and contextualization. The video also provides guidance on using documents and outside evidence effectively, sourcing, and achieving complex understanding in essays. The tutorial aims to help students write well-rounded essays with sophistication and nuance.

What percentage of the overall exam score does the DBQ contribute to?

• 50%

• 40%

• 10%

• 25%

How many minutes does the College Board suggest for planning and writing the LEQ?

• 50 minutes

• 60 minutes

• 40 minutes

• 30 minutes

What is required for a thesis to be considered acceptable in the DBQ?

• It must include a quote from the documents.

• It must respond to the prompt with a defensible claim.

• It must be a vague statement.

• It must be a restatement of the prompt.

Where do most students attempt contextualization in their essays?

• In the conclusion paragraph

• In the introduction paragraph

• In the body paragraphs

• In the footnotes

How many documents must be used to earn the first evidence point in the DBQ?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

What is the recommended strategy for using documents to avoid errors?

• Use all seven documents

• Ignore difficult documents

• Use only three documents

• Quote extensively from documents

What is the 'HIP' or 'HAT' point related to in the DBQ?

• Contextualization

• Thesis statement

• Sourcing of documents

• Conclusion

What is one way to demonstrate complex understanding in the DBQ?

• Restate the prompt

• Use only one document

• Write a short essay

• Show similarities and differences

What should students focus on to potentially earn the complex understanding point?

• Writing a brief introduction

• Using only two documents

• Writing a well-rounded essay with sophistication

• Ignoring the prompt

What is the main advice given for writing a successful AP History essay?

• Discuss the topic with sophistication and nuance

• Focus on quantity over quality

• Use as many quotes as possible

• Avoid using outside evidence