A. Writing a Thesis:
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.
B. Focus on what the prompt is asking you to
do.
Analyze
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Explain how AND why something
occurred by examining the component parts (social, political, economic) and
their relationship with one another.
Any question that uses “how”
and/or “why” is an analysis question even if the word “analyze” is not in the
prompt.
|
“Analyze the major technological
changes that took place in America from 1870 to 1900 and describe what
significant social ramifications they had.”
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Assess the validity
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How true is the statement? Pay attention to positive, negative, and
disputable aspects, citing the judgment of known authorities and your own.
You must take a stance here—how
true is the statement and why?
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“Assess the validity of the
following statement: ‘Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophy can best be
described as revolutionary.’”
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Evaluate
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Which factor was most
important? You usually need to rank
several events or factors and specify which is most and which is least
significant.
|
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To what extent
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This prompt frequently requires
you to specify a cause and effect 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.
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Discuss or Consider
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These are frequently used in free
response prompts. They should be
written as analysis essays. Examine key points and possible interpretations,
giving reasons for and against the case. Draw a final conclusion.
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“Discuss the extent to which
nineteenth-century Transcendentalism was or was not a conservative cultural
and intellectual movement.”
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Compare/
Contrast
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Identify the characteristics or
qualities of two or more things, comparing what they have in common (compare)
and differences (contrast).
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“Compare the religious revival of
the First Great Awakening to that of the Second.”
“Contrast the Federalist and
Antifederalist arguments for or against the ratification of the new Federal
Constitution.”
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Explain
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Tell how things work or how they
came to be, including descriptions or analysis. This must have DETAIL to give
it meaning.
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“Explain how economic, political,
and religious factors promoted European explorations from 1450 to 1525.”
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C. Writing Tips:
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 Marbury
v. Madison)” 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.
