LEQ Writing Tips....

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	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.”
Assess the validity	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?	“Assess the validity of the following statement: ‘Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophy can best be described as revolutionary.’”
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 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 Consider	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.	“Discuss the extent to which nineteenth-century Transcendentalism was or was not a conservative cultural and intellectual movement.”
Compare/ Contrast	Identify the characteristics or qualities of two or more things, comparing what they have in common (compare) and differences (contrast).	“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.”
Explain	Tell how things work or how they came to be, including descriptions or analysis. This must have DETAIL to give it meaning.	“Explain how economic, political, and religious factors promoted European explorations from 1450 to 1525.”

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.