How to PLAN a LEQ (Long Essay Question) for AP World History
How to Plan for an AP World History LEQ
Introduction to the LEQ
- The video introduces strategies for preparing for the AP World History Long Essay Question (LEQ), emphasizing the importance of understanding the prompt.
- The specific LEQ example discussed is from the 2018 exam, focusing on how oceanic voyages led to the Colombian Exchange and its effects on peoples in the Americas between 1450 and 1750.
Understanding the Prompt
- It’s crucial to comprehend what is being asked in the prompt; essays must directly address this rather than a misinterpreted question.
- The focus is on identifying changes brought about by the Colombian Exchange, specifically regarding its impact on populations in the Americas during the specified time period.
Developing Arguments
- Begin with brainstorming evidence that can be used to construct body paragraphs, focusing on topic sentences that encapsulate main ideas.
- Two proposed topic sentences are:
- "One way the Colombian Exchange changed peoples of the Americas was through disease, animals, and food."
- "Another way was through population diversification."
Crafting a Thesis Statement
- A thesis should follow a complex formula but ultimately needs to present a defensible argument establishing a line of reasoning.
- An example thesis provided: "Although some realities like indigenous religion continued after the Colombian Exchange due to new diseases, animals, and social hierarchies introduced, it fundamentally changed peoples of the Americas."
Contextualization and Evidence Gathering
- Contextualization involves discussing factors leading up to the Colombian Exchange such as trade routes and significant historical events like Mehmed II's capture of Constantinople.
- It's essential to connect contextual evidence back to your larger argument about how these factors drove European exploration westward.
Finalizing Evidence Support
- The final step involves gathering supporting evidence for each topic sentence which will reinforce both your arguments and thesis throughout your essay.
Understanding the Impact of the Columbian Exchange
Historical Examples of Change
- The discussion begins with specific historical examples illustrating the impact of the Columbian Exchange, focusing on smallpox (disease), horses (animals), and wheat and grapes (food).
- Emphasis is placed on structuring paragraphs to support arguments effectively, using evidence to demonstrate how these elements changed the peoples of the Americas.
- Smallpox exemplifies change through a severe population reduction; horses transformed hunting practices for Plains Indians, leading to food surpluses; wheat and grapes improved health and lifespan among survivors.
Evidence for Body Paragraphs
- A minimum of two pieces of evidence are required for scoring points in essays, but aiming for four or five is recommended for complexity.
- The second body paragraph focuses on population diversification through the African slave trade and caste system. These elements illustrate significant demographic changes in America.
Economic Transformation
- The African slave trade not only introduced Africans into America but also shifted economies towards cash crop systems like sugar production.
- The caste system imposed a new social order based on race and birthplace, further diversifying American society. Multiple approaches can be taken when addressing this topic; flexibility in evidence selection is encouraged.
Conclusion
- Writing becomes easier once planning is complete; focus shifts to presentation after heavy lifting has been done. Additional resources are available for those needing more help with essay writing.