AP ESSAYS

COMPARATIVE (COMP)CHANGE-OVER-TIME (CCOT)

DOCUMENT BASED QUESTION (DBQ)

“That's like comparing apples and oranges."

? One way apples and oranges are similar

? One way apples and oranges are different.

Apples & Oranges

SIMILARITY DIFFERENCE

Comparative Essay Rubric A – answers all parts of the question (2 pts) D – makes at least two direct comparisons

between or among societies (1 pt) A – analyzes at least one reason for a

similarity or difference (1 pt) T – has acceptable thesis (1 pt) E – substantiates thesis with appropriate

historical evidence (2 pts)

EXPANDED CORE - Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence

Has clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.

Addresses all parts of the question Provides ample historical evidence to

substantiate thesis. Relates comparisons to larger global context.  Makes several direct comparisons consistently

between or among societies. Consistently analyzes cause & effect of

similarities and differences.

TOTAL 2 pts

Step 1 - Read and Analyze the prompt

Restate the prompt as a question. What is the question asking you to

do? Circle the verbs – i.e. compare, contrast,

discuss, What are you to compare, discuss,

etc.? Underline them

When and Where? Underline the regions, countries, cultures Underline the dates or time periods.

Step 2 – Brainstorm the data needed to answer the question

Make a T Chart. Create categories for this information. Brainstorm a list of factual

information.

Step 3 - Create a preliminary thesis

The thesis must answer the question. Restate the question as an answer Include all key phrases (regions, dates, etc.)

The thesis must fully address the question - Include both similarities and differences

The thesis must take a position with regard to the question.

It is the guiding argument of the essay.

Step 4 - Reevaluate your Thesis

Do the categories accurately reflect your evidence

Do you have both similarities & differences

Conclude with a transitional sentence. “To better understand the similarities and

differences between these two …”

A thesis must: Answer the Question

1) Background - gives a brief background

2) Argues (Answers) – states your argument that answers the question.

3) Reasons – states reasons for the conclusion (argument) you have made.

An acceptable thesis does 3 things

Make sure your thesis statement does what your assignment asks you to do.

Begin by rephrasing the question as an answer that includes the big key phrases from the question

States the point you wish to make in your essay.

Appears in the introductory paragraph and is restated in the concluding paragraph

A thesis must: Answer the Question

Step 5 - Write the first paragraph of your essay

Begin with a topic sentence that is one of the similarities or differences from your thesis.

Example 1

Compare and contrast the impact of nationalism in Europe versus the impact of nationalism in the European colonies throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Example 1

What are we comparing & contrasting? Impact of nationalism

Where? Europe European colonies

When? 19th and 20th centuries

Example 1 - ThesisNationalism was a driving force throughout much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but it had a very different flavor in Europe than in most European colonies. While nationalism for both groups meant pride and commitment to one’s own “nation,” nationalism in Europe – which often meant racism or desire for domination – became synonymous with national expansion and conquest of other peoples, while nationalism in the colonies meant self determination and freedom from European rule. To better understand how nationalism led to the struggle for independence in many European colonies, one must first examine how nationalism, among other factors, led to the establishment of many of these colonies.

Formula for a good body paragraph

1st Sentence – Direct Comparison (Topic Sentence)

2nd Sentence – Evidence from Region One3rd Sentence – Evidence from Region Two4th Sentence – Analysis5th Sentence – Transition

Example 2

In a carefully constructed essay, compare and contrast the ancient civilizations of Greece and China. How do notions like "Order" and "Harmony" constitute fundamental themes in these two civilizations? Please make certain that you use specific examples to support your arguments.

times

Example 3

In a carefully constructed essay, compare and contrast the basic beliefs of two of the following religions:

BuddhismChristianityConfucianismHinduismIslam