how to write a thesis for an leq

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How To Write An LEQ: A Step-by-Step Guide To Mastering The Art Of Historical Essay Writing

Master the art of writing an LEQ with this step-by-step guide. From understanding prompt requirements and conducting research to crafting a strong conclusion, learn the essential skills for historical essay writing.

Understanding the LEQ Prompt

Analyzing the prompt requirements.

When faced with an LEQ (Long Essay Question) prompt, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the requirements before diving into the writing process. Take the time to carefully read and understand what the prompt is asking of you. Look for keywords and phrases that indicate the specific focus or direction of the essay. Pay attention to any specific time periods, events, or individuals mentioned in the prompt.

Identifying Key Terms and Concepts

After analyzing the prompt requirements, the next step is to identify the key terms and concepts that are central to the essay topic. These terms often provide clues about the main arguments or themes that should be addressed in your response. Make a list of these key terms and consider their significance in relation to the prompt. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you address the main points effectively.

Formulating a Clear Thesis Statement

Once you have a clear understanding of the prompt requirements and have identified the key terms and concepts, it is time to formulate a strong and concise thesis statement. The thesis statement is the central argument or main idea of your essay. It should directly respond to the prompt and provide a clear roadmap for the rest of your essay.

To create a strong thesis statement, consider the main arguments or points you want to make in your essay. These should align with the key terms and concepts you identified earlier. Use this information to craft a clear and concise statement that summarizes your main argument or position. Your thesis statement should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence throughout your essay.

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Remember, the thesis statement sets the tone for your entire essay and serves as a guide for both you and your reader. It should be placed at the end of your introduction paragraph and serve as a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

To summarize: – Analyze the prompt requirements to understand what is being asked. – Identify key terms and concepts that are central to the essay topic. – Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that directly responds to the prompt.

Conducting Background Research

When it comes to writing a successful LEQ (Long Essay Question), conducting thorough background research is essential. This step lays the foundation for your entire essay and ensures that you have a solid understanding of the topic at hand. In this section, we will explore three key aspects of conducting background research: gathering relevant sources, evaluating the credibility of sources, and taking effective notes.

Gathering Relevant Sources

To begin your research process, it is important to gather a variety of relevant sources. These sources can include books, scholarly articles, primary documents, and reputable websites. By utilizing a range of sources, you can ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of the topic and can provide a comprehensive analysis in your essay.

One effective way to gather relevant sources is by using academic databases such as JSTOR or Google Scholar. These platforms provide access to a vast array of scholarly articles and publications that are peer-reviewed and reliable. Additionally, libraries and online catalogs can be valuable resources for finding books and primary sources related to your topic.

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When gathering sources, it is important to consider the perspective and bias of each author or publication. Aim to include sources that present different viewpoints and perspectives, as this will strengthen your argument and demonstrate your ability to analyze multiple sides of an issue.

Evaluating the Credibility of Sources

Once you have gathered your sources, it is crucial to evaluate their credibility. Not all sources are created equal, and it is essential to ensure that the information you are using is accurate and reliable. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the credibility of sources:

• Author Expertise : Consider the qualifications and expertise of the author. Are they an expert in the field? Do they have relevant credentials or experience?
• Publication Date : Check the publication date of the source. Is it up-to-date and current? Depending on your topic, it may be necessary to include recent sources to provide the most accurate information.
• Peer Review : Determine if the source has undergone a peer-review process. Peer-reviewed articles are typically more reliable and have been evaluated by other experts in the field.
• Reputation of the Publisher : Research the reputation of the publisher or journal. Are they known for publishing high-quality and reputable content?
• Citations and References : Examine the citations and references within the source. Are they from credible and reliable sources? This can indicate the author’s commitment to using accurate information.

By carefully evaluating the credibility of your sources, you can ensure that the information you include in your LEQ is reliable, accurate, and trustworthy.

Taking Effective Notes

As you conduct your background research, it is crucial to take effective notes. This will help you organize your thoughts, keep track of your sources, and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the information you are gathering. Here are some tips for taking effective notes:

• Use a System : Develop a note-taking system that works for you. This could involve using index cards, a digital note-taking app, or a traditional notebook. Find a method that allows you to easily organize and access your notes.
• Record Key Information : When taking notes, be sure to record key information such as the author, publication date, and page numbers. This will make it easier to cite your sources later on.
• Summarize and Paraphrase : Instead of copying entire passages verbatim, try to summarize and paraphrase the information in your own words. This will not only help you better understand the material but also prevent plagiarism.
• Highlight Important Points : Use highlighting or underlining to mark important points or quotes that you may want to include in your essay. This will make it easier to find and reference later on.
• Organize Your Notes : Keep your notes organized by topic or subheading. This will make it easier to find specific information when you are writing your essay.

By taking effective notes, you can ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips when it comes time to write your LEQ. Effective note-taking will save you time and effort in the long run and help you produce a well-structured and well-supported essay.

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Organizing Your LEQ

In order to write a successful LEQ (Long Essay Question), it’s crucial to have a well-organized structure. This will not only help you stay focused and on track, but it will also make your essay more coherent and easier to read. In this section, we will discuss how to create an outline, structure the introduction, develop body paragraphs, and craft a strong conclusion.

Creating an Outline

Creating an outline is an essential step in organizing your thoughts and ideas before you start writing your LEQ. It serves as a roadmap for your essay, helping you to stay organized and ensure that your arguments flow logically.

To create an outline, start by identifying the main points or arguments that you want to make in your essay. These should be the key ideas that support your thesis statement. Once you have identified these main points, you can then brainstorm supporting evidence or examples for each of them.

Here is an example of how your outline might look:

• Introduction Hook : Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting fact or statistic. Background information: Provide some context or background information on the topic. Thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or position.
• Body paragraphs Topic sentence : Introduce the main point of the paragraph. Supporting evidence: Provide evidence, examples, or facts to support your main point. Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your argument and why it is significant. Transition: Connect the paragraph to the next point or argument.
• Conclusion Restate thesis : Summarize your main argument or position. Review main points: Recap the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Final thoughts: Offer some final thoughts or reflections on the topic.

Remember, your outline is a flexible tool that can be adjusted and refined as you write your essay. It is meant to guide you and provide structure, but it’s okay to make changes or add new ideas as you go along.

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Structuring the Introduction

The introduction is the first impression your essay will make on the reader, so it’s important to grab their attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay. A well-structured introduction should include a hook, background information, and a clear thesis statement.

Start your introduction with a hook that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a provocative question, an interesting fact or statistic, or a compelling anecdote. The goal is to make the reader want to keep reading.

After the hook, provide some background information to give the reader context and help them understand the topic. This could include historical background, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the issue at hand. Be sure to keep this section concise and focused.

Finally, end your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. It should be specific, arguable, and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

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Developing Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your LEQ are where you will present your main arguments and provide supporting evidence. Each body paragraph should focus on one main point or argument and include a topic sentence, supporting evidence, analysis, and a transition to the next paragraph.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument of the paragraph. This topic sentence should be clear and concise, and it should relate back to your thesis statement.

Next, provide supporting evidence to back up your main point. This could include historical examples, primary sources, or scholarly research. Be sure to cite your sources properly and provide enough evidence to support your argument.

After presenting your evidence, it’s important to analyze and interpret the information. Explain how the evidence supports your argument and why it is significant. This analysis will help the reader understand the connections between your evidence and your main argument.

Finally, end each body paragraph with a transition to the next paragraph. This could be a sentence that connects the current point to the next one, or it could be a rhetorical question that prompts the reader to think about the next topic.

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Crafting a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the reader. A strong conclusion should summarize your main arguments, restate your thesis statement, and provide some final thoughts or reflections on the topic.

Start your conclusion by restating your thesis statement. This will remind the reader of your main argument and help them see how your essay has addressed that argument.

Next, review the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs. Summarize the key evidence and arguments you presented and explain how they support your thesis statement.

Finally, end your conclusion with some final thoughts or reflections on the topic. This could be a call to action, a prediction for the future, or a broader implication of your argument. Leave the reader with something to think about and consider.

Writing the LEQ

Writing the Long Essay Question (LEQ) requires a clear and concise language, the incorporation of historical evidence, the analysis and interpretation of historical information, and the addressing of counterarguments. In this section, we will break down each of these elements to help you craft a compelling and well-rounded LEQ.

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Using Clear and Concise Language

When writing your LEQ, it is important to use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid using overly complex or technical language that might confuse your readers. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity. Use everyday language that is easy to understand and avoids unnecessary jargon.

To engage your readers, keep your sentences and paragraphs short. This not only makes your writing easier to read but also helps maintain the reader’s attention. Break down complex ideas into smaller, digestible pieces to ensure that your readers can follow your argument easily.

Incorporating Historical Evidence

One of the key requirements of the LEQ is the incorporation of historical evidence to support your arguments. Historical evidence can come in various forms, such as primary sources, secondary sources, statistics, quotes, and examples. Including this evidence strengthens your arguments and adds credibility to your essay.

When incorporating historical evidence, be sure to properly cite your sources. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also demonstrates your thorough research and understanding of the topic. Use proper citation formats, such as MLA or APA, depending on the guidelines provided by your instructor.

To make your historical evidence more impactful, provide context and analysis. Explain how the evidence relates to your thesis statement and supports your overall argument. Avoid simply listing facts or quotes without offering any analysis or interpretation. Your goal is to show the reader how the evidence supports your claims and contributes to the larger historical narrative.

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Analyzing and Interpreting Historical Information

In addition to incorporating historical evidence, it is crucial to analyze and interpret the information you present in your LEQ. Analysis involves breaking down the evidence into its component parts and examining the relationships between them. Interpretation, on the other hand, involves explaining the significance and meaning of the evidence in the context of the larger historical context.

To effectively analyze and interpret historical information, ask yourself questions such as: What does this evidence reveal about the time period or event being discussed? How does it contribute to our understanding of the topic? What are the implications of this evidence? How does it connect to other evidence or ideas presented in your essay?

By critically analyzing and interpreting historical information, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and engage with the complexities of the topic. This not only adds depth to your essay but also showcases your understanding of the subject matter.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments is an essential aspect of writing a strong LEQ. Acknowledging and responding to opposing viewpoints shows that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthens your overall argument.

To effectively address counterarguments, begin by identifying potential opposing viewpoints . Consider alternative interpretations, conflicting evidence, or differing historical perspectives. Once you have identified these counterarguments, explain why they are not as strong or valid as your own argument. Present evidence and logical reasoning to refute these counterarguments and reinforce your thesis statement.

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By addressing counterarguments, you demonstrate intellectual honesty and show that you have thoroughly examined the topic from various angles. This strengthens your overall argument and makes your essay more persuasive.

Revising and Editing Your LEQ

Checking for coherence and flow.

When revising and editing your LEQ (Long Essay Question), it is crucial to ensure that your essay has coherence and flow. Coherence refers to the logical and smooth progression of ideas throughout your essay, while flow ensures that your reader can easily follow your thoughts and arguments. Here are some tips to help you check for coherence and improve the flow of your LEQ:

• Review your thesis statement : Start by examining your thesis statement and ensuring that it clearly presents the main argument of your essay. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a roadmap for the rest of your paper.
• Check for logical organization : Take a step back and look at the overall structure of your essay. Does each paragraph flow logically from one to the next? Do your arguments build upon one another in a logical sequence? If not, consider reorganizing your paragraphs or adding transitional sentences to create a smoother flow.
• Use effective transitions : Transitions are essential for guiding your reader through your essay. Make sure to use transitional words and phrases such as “however,” “in contrast,” or “on the other hand” to connect your ideas and create a seamless transition between paragraphs.
• Eliminate repetitive or redundant information : While it is essential to provide sufficient evidence and examples to support your arguments, be cautious of repeating the same information multiple times. Eliminate any unnecessary repetition to maintain a clear and concise flow in your essay.
• Consider the order of your arguments : Think about the best order in which to present your arguments. It may be helpful to start with your strongest point and gradually build up to your weaker arguments or counterarguments. This organization can help create a logical flow and increase the impact of your essay.

Eliminating Redundancies and Wordiness

To ensure that your LEQ is concise and focused, it is important to eliminate redundancies and wordiness. Here are some strategies to help you streamline your writing:

• Avoid unnecessary repetition : Repeating the same information in different words can make your writing appear verbose and redundant. Instead, strive for clarity and precision by expressing your ideas concisely.
• Use specific language : Replace vague or general terms with more specific and descriptive language. This will help you convey your ideas more effectively without relying on excessive words.
• Trim unnecessary phrases : Review each sentence and eliminate any unnecessary phrases or clauses. Ask yourself if each word and phrase contributes directly to the meaning of the sentence. If not, remove it to make your writing more concise.
• Choose strong verbs : Opt for strong verbs that convey your ideas with precision. This will allow you to express your thoughts more efficiently and avoid the need for excessive adverbs or adjectives.
• Avoid filler words : Be mindful of using filler words or phrases that add no real value to your writing. Examples include “in order to,” “it is important to note that,” or “due to the fact that.” These phrases can often be eliminated without affecting the clarity or meaning of your sentences.

Proofreading for Grammar and Spelling Errors

After revising for coherence, flow, and eliminating redundancies, it is crucial to proofread your LEQ for grammar and spelling errors. Here are some steps to help you catch and correct these mistakes:

• Take a break : Allow some time between writing and proofreading your LEQ. This break will help you approach your essay with fresh eyes and increase your chances of spotting errors.
• Read aloud : Reading your essay aloud can help you identify awkward sentence structures, missing words, or grammatical errors. When reading aloud, pay attention to the flow and rhythm of your writing.
• Use spelling and grammar tools : Utilize spelling and grammar checkers to catch any obvious errors. However, be cautious as these tools may not always detect contextual or nuanced errors.
• Proofread multiple times : Proofreading is a process that requires multiple passes. After your initial proofread, go through your essay again, focusing on different aspects each time. This approach will help you catch any lingering mistakes.
• Seek feedback : Ask a friend, teacher, or peer to review your LEQ. Fresh eyes can often spot errors that you may have overlooked. Consider their suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Remember, effective revision and editing are essential to producing a high-quality LEQ. By checking for coherence and flow, eliminating redundancies and wordiness, and proofreading for grammar and spelling errors, you can ensure that your essay is clear, concise, and error-free.

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Tips for Time Management

Setting a realistic writing schedule.

Creating a realistic writing schedule is essential for managing your time effectively when working on a Long Essay Question (LEQ). By setting a schedule, you can allocate dedicated time for research, writing, and revision, ensuring that you stay on track and meet your deadlines.

To begin, assess your personal schedule and identify the time slots that are most suitable for writing. Consider your energy levels and when you are most productive. Some people prefer early mornings, while others find that they are more focused in the evenings. Find a time that works best for you and commit to it.

Once you have determined your optimal writing time, block it off in your calendar or planner. Treat this time as non-negotiable, just like any other important appointment. By making writing a priority, you are more likely to stick to your schedule and make progress on your LEQ.

Additionally, it can be helpful to break down your writing sessions into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, instead of dedicating an entire day to writing, you could schedule two or three shorter sessions throughout the week. This approach can help prevent burnout and allow for regular breaks to rejuvenate your mind.

Breaking Down Your Writing Process

Breaking down your writing process into smaller steps can make the task feel more manageable and less overwhelming. By dividing your LEQ into distinct stages, you can focus on one aspect at a time, ensuring that you give each step the attention it deserves.

Start by analyzing the LEQ prompt and understanding its requirements. This will help you identify the key terms and concepts that you need to address in your essay. Once you have a clear understanding of the prompt, formulate a thesis statement that clearly states your argument.

Next, conduct background research to gather relevant sources and evaluate their credibility. Take effective notes during this research phase, ensuring that you document important information and properly attribute any quotes or paraphrases.

With your research in hand, it’s time to organize your LEQ. Create an outline that outlines your main points and the supporting evidence for each. This will serve as a roadmap for your essay and ensure that you maintain a logical flow throughout.

Allocating Time for Research, Writing, and Revision

When managing your time for an LEQ, it’s important to allocate sufficient time for each stage of the writing process – research, writing, and revision.

Begin by setting aside dedicated time for research. Depending on the complexity of your topic, this could range from a few hours to several days. During this phase, gather relevant sources, evaluate their credibility, and take thorough notes. Remember to keep track of your sources for proper citation later on.

Once your research is complete, allocate a substantial amount of time for writing. This is where you will bring together your research, analysis, and argument to craft a well-written essay. Aim to write in a clear and concise language, incorporating historical evidence and addressing counterarguments.

Finally, make sure to allocate enough time for revision. This step is crucial to ensure that your LEQ is coherent, well-structured, and free of grammar and spelling errors. Take the time to read through your essay multiple times, checking for coherence and flow. Eliminate any redundancies or wordiness, and proofread meticulously for grammar and spelling mistakes.

By allocating sufficient time for each stage of the writing process, you can ensure that you produce a high-quality LEQ that effectively addresses the prompt and showcases your historical knowledge.

In conclusion, managing your time effectively is crucial when working on an LEQ. By setting a realistic writing schedule, breaking down your writing process, and allocating time for research, writing, and revision, you can maximize your productivity and produce a well-crafted essay. Remember to be consistent with your schedule, stay organized, and give yourself breaks to maintain focus and motivation. With these time management tips in mind, you will be well-equipped to tackle any LEQ with confidence.

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AP World History: Modern

How to Write the AP World LEQ

4 min read • Last Updated on July 11, 2024

Eric Beckman

Writing the AP World LEQ

⚡  Watch: AP World History -   🎥  Writing the LEQ

Choosing which long-essay question to write will be one of the last major decisions that students make for AP history this year. If a student understands all of the prompts, they should choose the topic for which they can think of the most  evidence. The reason for focusing on evidence first is simple: Three is greater than two.

As I mentioned on in my May 2nd stream "Breaking Down the LEQ (replay on 🎥  the World History page ) quality paragraph based on evidence can net three points on the LEQ, which will certainly be near and probably be above the average score. A quality introduction, whether in one paragraph or two, can earn two points, one for thesis and one for context. Students should go for all five of these points if time allows, of course. But, I recommend drafting the body paragraph first, even though students will probably start their essay with a thesis and context, if they have time.

Looking at least year’s LEQ (on the last page of  the Free-Response Questions ), differences in evidence points accounted for more than half of the difference in the average scores of questions two (0.9/1.8). Three (1.7/3.0) and four (1.3/2.4). Generating the most evidence possible is a key to maximizing students' LEQ scores. Not only will using two pieces effectively set up a base score of 2-3 on the LEQ, but using more evidence will help a student with contextualization and maybe even complexity. 

The evidence point is usually the easiest to earn for the LEQ, and prepared students can double that point by explaining how their evidence supports an argument related to the prompt. Consider LEQ #2 from last year’s AP World History exam:

⚡  Watch: AP World History - 🎥  Practice on LEQ: Classical Era and  Breaking the Prompt Down

“In the period c. 600 BCE to c. 600 CE, different factors led to the emergence and spread of new religions and belief systems, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism”

Develop an argument that evaluates how such factors led to the emergence or spread of one or more religions in this time period”

Here, an argument related to the prompt will involve a religion or religions and/or a factor related to them. A student could start by thinking about how religions emerged and spread, and then get specific. In order to function as evidence, facts need to be specific and relevant. For instance, with this question a student might start by identifying a religion and then considering how it emerged or spread. For instance, thinking about Confucianism, a student might remember that it began in China. “China” would not count as evidence, but something more specific, such as the Warring States Period or the Han Dynasty, would. Simply writing “The Han Dynasty in China supported Confucianism” is specific and accurate enough to count as one of the two required pieces of evidence. Next, the student would determine how or why the Han Dynasty did this, perhaps by explaining that Confucianism was an element of cultural unity supported by Han Emperors.

The student would then generate additional examples from the same religion or another. For example, they identify Christianity’s emergence and spread in the Roman Empire. Naming the Roman Empire is probably not specific enough, though it might count as context, but something specific from the Empire, such as Constantine, the Edict of Milan, or Christian martyrs would work. The student could combine these examples and their explanations into one paragraph. If the second piece of evidence is one another factor, such as trade routes, then the student has the basis for two smaller paragraphs.

Such a paragraph or paragraphs would yield a third point if the student demonstrate historical reasoning. This has two parts: showing historical thinking (causation, comparison, or analysis of continuity or change) and providing a reason. With question #2 above this requires  explaining how something, such as empires, caused religions to emerge or spread. Writing “Empires caused religions to spread” is not enough, but “Religions spread within imperial societies, because some empires encouraged people to practice a particular religion in order to unite their society” would earn the point. Christianity in late Imperial Rome and Confucianism in Han would be evidence in support of this argument.

Once a student has drafted examples to be used as evidence and has an idea of how to demonstrate historical reasoning, they can either write it up or, if time allows, first write a thesis and contextualization. For more on thesis and contextualization see Kris Clancy’s excellent session (watch the replay on the   🎥  Skills Page ). Although they might write a thesis at the top of the essay, students can benefit by designing their response from the inside out: evidence first. Moreover, students who are almost out of time after writing their DBQ should consider writing one good body paragraph with evidence and reasoning, and thus earn three valuable points.

⚡  Watch: AP World History -  🎥  Sharpening Your LEQ Skills ,  LEQ Strategies , and  More LEQ Practice

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