APUSH LEQ Writing Guide
Writing the LEQ
Remember that the LEQ is an analysis essay, not a textbook-like report. Do not just “tell”
about the topic — examine it, relate the information to a thesis, and use your
information to support your sub-theses.
Format
LEQ
How many essays? 1—you choose between 2
Are there documents? No
Point value 0-6 points
Prompt type Will ask you to complete task (see list) using a historical thinking skill
May ask you to support, modify, or refute a statement.
Elements you must Relevant thesis statement that addresses all parts of the question
include (also see Support of thesis with specific evidence/examples from your
rubric) background knowledge
Apply historical thinking skills as directed by the question
Synthesize these elements into a persuasive essay that either connects
it to a different historical context, another category of analysis, or
addresses the other side of the argument (“extends”)
Writing an excellent thesis statement (it
takes practice!)
The LEQ is a thesis-based response that is related to a prompt that requires students to take
a stand on an issue and then present enough factual information in the context of their essay
that proves their thesis.
The thesis statement: what is it? A thesis is simply a historically defensible argument or a
stand you take on a particular topic. It should not resemble a sentence from a textbook, but
rather explain your point of view and why it matters.
The Rules
USE THE LANGUAGE OF THE PROMPT – Don’t restate the question, just make sure to use
the important vocabulary. It’ll keep you on target.
ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION – Some topics are naturally easier or more
interesting to you. You need to do all of them, especially the ones you don’t want to.
THIS IS THE SIZZLE, THE MAIN BODY IS THE STEAK – You want to be “specifically general”;
tell the reader what you’ll be talking about, but don’t give away too much.
Some Parts of the Thesis
The Qualification
Is what you say always true always? Are there exceptions? Are there good reasons why your position may have a downside? How can you
make your position have a reality check? What general reasons why your position may have problems can you admit up front?
To make absolute statements usually causes your essay’s thesis to seem foolishly simplistic. Here’s a trick: begin your qualification with a word
like “although” or “despite”. Don’t worry if it’s not a complete sentence.
EXAMPLE: "Despite its work relief elements and large government programs,"
The Reason
In general why do you believe your position to be correct in spite of your qualification? What is the over all good to be gained by agreeing with
your position? This is a general statement; your three specific reasons will follow in the body of your essay.
EXAMPLE: "because its main programs attempted to create a stable environment for private enterprise."
Put them all together.
In one or two sentences, present your thesis, including a qualification, a reason, and a position. The classic, traditional way of combining is to
first present your qualification. This immediately demonstrates your interest in accuracy. Then present your general reason which
demonstrates your thinking process, and finally the punch line--your position.
EXAMPLE: "Despite its work relief elements and large government programs,the New Deal is best understood as a defense of American
capitalism because its main programs attempted to create a stable environment for private enterprise."
Addressing and Understanding the Prompt
Students often do worse than they should in examinations or when writing assignments, not because
their writing skills are weak or because their knowledge of the subject matter is insufficient, but
because they have not fully understood what they have been asked to do. To score high marks in an
examination or an assignment, it is important to fully understand what a question or brief means and
how it should be answered.
Key words tell you the approach you should take when answering an essay question. There are three
types of key words:
• Task words: Tell you what you have to do; the action you need to perform
• Content words: Tell you what the topic area is and what you should write about
• Limiting words: Limit and focus the essay, making it workable
Example essay question: Computers have had a significant impact on education in the 20 th century.
Discuss the changes they have made.
Task word: DISCUSS
Content word: education, computers
Limiting word: changes, significant impact, 20th century
1. Focus on what the prompt is asking you to do.
Commonly used task words/verbs in writing prompts and how to approach them.
Analyze Explain how AND why something occurred by examining the “Analyze the major technological changes that took
component parts (social, political, economic) and their relationship place in America from 1870 to 1900 and describe what
with one another. significant social ramifications they had.”
Any question that uses “how” and/or “why” is an analysis question
even if the word “analyze” is not in the prompt.
Assess the How true is the statement? Pay attention to positive, negative, and “Assess the validity of the following statement:
validity disputable aspects, citing the judgment of known authorities and your ‘Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophy can best be
own. described as revolutionary.’”
You must take a stance here—how true is the statement and why?
Evaluate Which factor was most important? You usually need to rank several
events or factors and specify which is most and which is least significant.
To what extent This prompt frequently requires you to specify a cause and effect (See prompt below)
relationship and then state which causes were more important. Or,
indicate the criteria on which you base your judgment and cite specific
instance of how it applies in this case.
Discuss or These are frequently used in free response prompts. They should be “Discuss the extent to which nineteenth-century
Consider written as analysis essays. Examine key points and possible Transcendentalism was or was not a conservative
interpretations, giving reasons for and against the case. Draw a final cultural and intellectual movement.”
conclusion.
Compare/ Identify the characteristics or qualities of two or more things, comparing “Compare the religious revival of the First Great
Contrast what they have in common (compare) and differences (contrast). Awakening to that of the Second.”
“Contrast the Federalist and Antifederalist arguments
for or against the ratification of the new Federal
Constitution.”
Explain Tell how things work or how they came to be, including descriptions or “Explain how economic, political, and religious factors
analysis. This must have DETAIL to give it meaning. promoted European explorations from 1450 to 1525.”
Step 2: What Historical
Thinking Skill is being
tested?
• Causation - The ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate relationships among multiple
historical causes and effects, distinguishing between those that are long-term and
proximate.
• Continuity and Change Over Time - The ability to recognize, analyze, and evaluate the
dynamics of historical continuity AND change over periods of time of varying lengths, as well
as the ability to relate these patterns to larger historical processes or themes.
• Comparison - Describe, compare, evaluate historical developments and processes across
place, time, and/or societies or within one society.
• Periodization - Explain ways that historical events and processes can be organized within
blocks of time identifying turning points that begin and end periods.
GO LOOK AT THE RUBRIC!!!!
Step 3: Create an LEQ Outline
After you are clear as to your task (analyze, evaluate, etc.) sketch out a quick, informal outline of how you are going to proceed. This is very
important to guaranteeing that you cover the whole prompt.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
• Takes a stand
• sets time, place, and context
• thesis statement with three categories
Paragraph 2:
• Topic sentence introduces your first category using the action verb(s) from the prompt.
• Use specific evidence to support your category
• Connect evidence used back to the prompt using the Historical Thinking Skill asked for
Paragraph 3:
• Topic sentence introduces your second category using the action verb(s) from the prompt. No, LEQ… Q,
• Use specific evidence to support your category
not a leg.
• Connect evidence used back to the prompt using the Historical Thinking Skill asked for
Get back to
Paragraph 4: work.
• Topic sentence introduces your third category using the action verb(s) from the prompt.
• Use specific evidence to support your category
• Connect evidence used back to the prompt using the Historical Thinking Skill asked for
Paragraph 5:
• Synthesis/Conclusion
• Extend the argument by explaining the connections between the argument and ONE of the following: A development in a different historical
period, situation, era, or geographical area.
Step 4: Some quick notes on writing
GOOD historical essays
1. In no circumstance should your history essay have fluff in it.
2. Do not “bullet” or use contractions. This detracts from the sophistication of the analysis.
3. Avoid general statements at the beginning of sentences; for example: this, they, them, he, they. Identify
what or who you are discussing, as it makes your essay more clear and sophisticated. Consider as well if
you can combine two sentences to make it a more analytical statement.
4. In reference to the United States: do not say, “our country” or “we” (in talking about Americans). Say
instead, “The United States,” “America,” or “Americans” where appropriate. Do not use pronouns.
5. Make sure you address the entire scope of the question. Many students just address half of the
question.
6. If the question has a chronological aspect to it (many do), address the essay somewhat chronologically
(for example, an essay about 1763-1781 should follow approximately in that order). The essay becomes
very confusing if the writer jumps around from event to event and they are not in a logical order.
General Writing Tips:
• Always write in third person (no “I”, “we”, “you” or
“in my opinion”).
• Avoid absolutes (all, every, never, none).
• Use specific terms (“in Plessy v. Ferguson” not “in
the court case regarding segregation”).
• Use formal language (avoid contractions, slang
words, etc.).
• Take a moment to check the rubric to ensure you
meet all expectations.
ASSIGNMENT – LEQ #1
Write a historically correct, clear, essay on the following prompt. Your
response will include the following:
• State a relevant thesis that directly addresses all parts of the prompt.
• Support your argument with evidence, using specific examples.
• Apply historical thinking skills as directed by the question.
• Synthesis the elements above into a persuasive essay that extends your
argument, connects it to a different historical context, or connects it to a
different category of analysis.
Prompt (in class): Between 1607 and 1763 to what degree did the Colonial
relations with Native Americans change over time? Were there any aspects
of Colonial relations with Native Americans that did not change over this
time period?
See sample LEQs below:
1. Some historians have argued that the American Revolution
was not revolutionary in nature. Instead of fostering
revolutionary change it maintained continuity. Support, modify,
or refute this interpretation, providing specific evidence to
justify your answer.
2. The Mexican-American War was a justifiable war, both
politically and ideologically. Support, modify, or refute this
interpretation, providing specific evidence to justify your answer.
3. Analyze the extent to which the Mexican-American War was a
turning point in U.S. history. What changed and what stayed the
same in its aftermath?
4. The formation of the Confederacy in 1861 was politically and
economically justifiable. Support, modify, or refute that
interpretation providing specific evidence to justify your answer.
