How to PLAN a LEQ (Long Essay Question) for AP World History

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides a step-by-step guide on how to approach an AP World History Long Essay Question (LEQ) on the Columbian Exchange. The process includes understanding the prompt, brainstorming evidence, developing clear topic sentences, crafting a defensible thesis, contextualizing the historical background, and selecting relevant evidence. Key topics covered include the impact of disease, animals, and food on the Americas, as well as population diversification through the African slave trade and the caste system. The video emphasizes the importance of a well-structured argument supported by specific historical examples.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the prompt: Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking, focusing on the historical thinking skill it requires (e.g., change over time).
• 😀 Brainstorm evidence: Identify key themes like food, disease, animals, and population changes that can help answer the question.
• 😀 Organize your essay: Write topic sentences for each body paragraph to guide your argument and evidence.
• 😀 Craft a clear thesis: Develop a defensible thesis that addresses the question, provides reasoning, and sets up your body paragraphs.
• 😀 Use contextualization: Explain the larger historical context that led to the events being discussed, such as trade, exploration, and European motivations.
• 😀 Incorporate complexity: Bring in a counter-argument or complicate your thesis to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.
• 😀 Provide specific evidence: Use concrete historical examples (e.g., smallpox, horses, wheat) to support your argument and show the effects of the event.
• 😀 Connect evidence to your argument: For each piece of evidence, explain how it demonstrates the change or effect you are discussing.
• 😀 Diversify your evidence: Use multiple types of evidence (e.g., disease, animals, social systems) to fully answer the prompt and strengthen your argument.
• 😀 Focus on clear, concise writing: Once your outline and argument are set, begin writing your essay, ensuring each paragraph flows logically from the last.

Q & A

What is the first step when planning for an AP World History LEQ?

The first step is to understand the prompt thoroughly. You need to ensure that your essay answers the specific question being asked, not the one you wish was asked.

How does the presenter suggest structuring the body paragraphs of an LEQ?

The presenter recommends starting with topic sentences that outline the main arguments. For example, one body paragraph might discuss the introduction of disease, animals, and food, while another could focus on the diversification of the population.

What is the formula for writing a thesis in an LEQ?

The thesis formula is: 'Although X (counter-argument), because A and B (specific historical evidence), therefore Y (your argument).'

Why does the presenter include the persistence of indigenous religion in the thesis example?

The persistence of indigenous religion is used to show complexity in the argument. By addressing this continuity, the presenter sets up a more nuanced response to how the Columbian Exchange affected the Americas.

What is the purpose of contextualization in the LEQ?

Contextualization provides background information to explain the broader historical context. In this case, the presenter explains factors like European trade routes, the fall of Constantinople, and the financing of Columbus's voyages to set the stage for the Columbian Exchange.

What kind of evidence does the presenter suggest using for the LEQ?

The presenter suggests using specific evidence such as smallpox (disease), horses (animals), wheat, and grapes (food) to support the argument about how the Columbian Exchange changed the Americas.

How does the presenter recommend connecting evidence to the thesis in body paragraphs?

The presenter recommends explaining each piece of evidence and then linking it back to the thesis using phrases like 'which shows' or 'this demonstrates,' ensuring that each piece of evidence directly supports the argument.

Why is it important to have at least two pieces of evidence in each body paragraph?

Having at least two pieces of evidence in each body paragraph is important because it's a requirement for earning points on the AP exam rubric. It also strengthens the argument and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic.

What role does the African slave trade play in the argument about the Columbian Exchange?

The African slave trade is used as evidence of the diversification of the population in the Americas. It introduced Africans to the Americas and transformed economies into cash crop systems, illustrating significant demographic changes.

How does the caste system relate to the diversification of the population in the Americas?

The caste system, based on race and birthplace, imposed a new social hierarchy in the Americas. This system contributed to the diversification of the population by creating distinct social classes based on racial and geographical factors.