Write As Historian: WRITE AS A HISTORIAN: ANALYZE THE QUESTION

As you have read, the first stage in writing a long essay is to carefully read and analyze the question so you know exactly what the framework is for your response. (See page 183.) In addition to surface-level analysis of the terms of the question, you also apply the historical thinking skill of analyzing historical developments and processes for a deeper understanding of the question.

Suppose, for example, you choose to answer the following long essay question: “Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which religion created unity or conflict between 1450 and 1750 in Europe and in South Asia.” For a surface level analysis, you could complete a chart like the one below.

Key Terms and Framework

Key Terms

Argument, evaluate, extent, role of religion, unity,

and conflict

framework

Geographic Areas: Europe and South Asia

Time Period: 1450–1750

Reasoning Process

Comparison

For a deeper analysis of the question, use the thinking skill of analyzing historical developments and processes. Ask questions such as the following to arrive at a deeper understanding of the question.

In the next stage of writing, these questions will help you focus the evidence you gather to answer the question.

Application: Suppose you choose to answer the following long essay question: “Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which continuity or change occurred in the participation of China in the expanding global trade networks from 1450 to 1750.” Complete a Key Terms and Framework chart for the question to understand the basic requirements of the task. Then create a Questions for Deeper Analysis chart to help you develop a more complex understanding of the question.

For current free response question samples, visit: https://apcentral.collegeboard. org/courses/ap-world-history/exam