Welcome to AP World History
You signed up for AP World History next year through the course choice sheet.
AP (Advanced Placement) is a program that prepares high school students to be
successful in college and provides them with an opportunity to earn college credit
through examination.
Since the AP Exam is an exam for college credit, the work in the class will be at
college level even though you are a high school sophomore. This means that there is
much more work than in a regular high school class and that work will be more difficult.
Just like in college, there is a considerable amount of reading and writing
required. You will have pages to read every night and a quiz over that reading every
day.
If you are ready for this challenge then I will see your Essay #1 before the start of
the next school year and will see you the first day of school.
If, however, you feel you aren't up to this challenge or you can't commit to this
workload then you need to see your counselor before the end of this school year and get
changed to a regular World History class.
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You are required to write a comparison essay (Essay #1- Ancient
Civilizations) over the summer and turn it in (by email or by hand) two
weeks before the first day of school.
If you have any questions about the essay you are to write, ask Mr Cyr
online at tcyr@houstonisd.org
Refer to the other items included in this envelope for information about
this essay. All the information is also online at www.houstonisd.org/milby.
Click on Academics then on Summer Assignments then on Cyr.
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For this class, you are required to buy the following items before the start of school
and show up the first day of school with all these items:
 2" binder (it can be any color)
 8 dividers
 blue or black ink pens
Essay #1 (Ancient Civilizations)
In an essay, answer the following question.
Compare the government, the society, and the culture of the following
two ancient civilizations- Mesopotamia & Egypt.
1. You essay must meet the following requirements:
a. Essay must be typed.
b. Use 1" margins. Change them to 1" from the standard MS Word 1 1/4" margins
c. Use Times New Roman 12 point font.
d. Double space the sentences. However, don't put any additional space between paragraphs.
e. Have a cover page (Title & Student Name will suffice).
2. Use the provided Guide to Writing the Summer Essay to help you write the essay.
3. Use only the provided Essay #1 Textbook in writing the essay. Since you are to use no other sources,
no bibliography is needed. Don't plagiarize (copy word for word). Don't download an essay from the
internet. Previous students who have done that received a 0.
4. Your essay will be graded using the Essay #1 (Ancient Civilizations) Rubric. Check your work
against the rubric to make sure you have done everything that is required.
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The essay is due on or by Monday, 10 Aug 2015
This is two weeks before the start of school
You can either email the essay as an attachment to tcyr@houstonisd.org or come by
Jones High School that day and drop off the essay with Ms Vidock in the principal's
office. The summer essay can be emailed before that date (in fact, if you know you won't
have access to the internet you must email it earlier).
If you email it to me, I will reply confirming that I have your essay and that I can open
and read it. If I don't send this confirmation, I didn't get your email. If I tell you I can't
open or read your attached essay- I will allow you to drop off the essay on Tuesday, 11
Aug 2015. Other than for that reason, late essays will not be accepted.
This essay will be graded by the time you return at school. There will be no re-dos. The
essay is approximately 15% of your 1st Six Weeks grade. If you aren't going to do the
work, why are you taking the class? Talk to your counselor about changing to regular.
If you have any questions about this essay over the summer or you want someone to
check your draft, you can contact the AP World History teacher- Mr Cyrat tcyr@houstonisd.org over the summer (July & August)
Name ________________________
Essay #1 (Ancient Civs) Rubric
Question: Compare the government, the society, and the culture of the following two ancient
civilizations- Mesopotamia & Egypt.
1) Has acceptable thesis
Thesis must be explicit. The thesis identify both a specific similarity and
a specific difference between the two civilizations. The similarity and difference
can be either in government, society, and/or culture.
1 point
2) Addresses all parts of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly
Addresses most parts of the question
2 points
1 point
Two points requires that students address both a similarity and a difference
and address all three areas of comparison- government, society, and culture
One point requires that students address either a similarity or a difference
and address all three areas- government, society, and culture
3) Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence
Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence
2 points
1 point
Two points: Minimum of EIGHT accurate and relevant examples
One point: Minimum of FOUR accurate and relevant examples
4) Makes at least one direct, relevant comparison between both civilizations
{must be a different comparison from the ones used to for #2}
1 point
5) Analyzes at least one reason for the similarity or difference identified
in a direct comparison (explain why it occurs)
1 point
A student must earn 7 points in the above basic core before earning points
0-2 points
in the expanded core below
- The essay has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
- The essay thoroughly addresses all parts of the question
- The essay provides more than 6 examples of historical evidence to substantiate thesis
- The student demonstrates the ability to relate comparisons to larger global context
- The essay makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies
- The essay consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences
The number of points earned on the essay will equate to the following numeric grade:
9 = 100, 8 = 95, 7 = 90, 6 = 85, 5 = 80, 4 = 75, 3 = 70, 2 = 60, 1 = 50,
0=0
Guide to Writing the Summer Essay
I. The AP Exam
The AP (Advanced Placement) exam for World History consists of two parts- answering 70
multiple choice questions in 55 minutes and writing 3 essays (a Document Based Question essay, a
Change & Continuity Over Time essay, and a Comparison essay) in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Each part is
50% of the overall score.
The comparison question asks what is the same and what is different between
two regions or civilizations in one of the five major themes. Comparison questions always
require an analysis of the reasons for the identified similarities and differences.
II. An Essay
Successful essays are a group of paragraphs that work together to make an argument. An essay
contains an introductory paragraph (which contains the thesis statement), supporting paragraphs (that
develop the thesis), and a concluding paragraph.
The thesis statement in the introductory paragraph is a major part of a successful essay. If you
have time to prepare a good introduction, or something creative comes to mind, use it. Your
introduction may also include definitions/explanations of key terms in the question. Above all, an
effective thesis answers the question that was asked. Sometimes the thesis will provide the
organizational categories that will be used in the essay.
Supporting paragraphs include the information necessary to support a thesis. These
paragraphs will vary in length, number, and complexity. Each supporting paragraph contains a topic
sentence that connects back to the thesis. The topic sentence is followed by factual support/historical
evidence (usually from three to five supporting examples are needed to develop the topic)- logically
organized evidence with commentary or explanation that supports the thesis- and then analysis.
A conclusion should reinforce the significance of the evidence presented in the essay to the
question asked. It reinforces the thesis and answers the "so what?" However, for the purposes of
APWH, your conclusions will serve a different purpose.
III. Steps in Writing a Comparison Essay
Step 1. Analyze the Question (also called the prompt)
A. Carefully determine the task. What is it you are being asked to do?
In a comparison essay, you are being asked to "compare" or "compare and contrast."
What this means is that you are always directed to find both similarities and differences
between the two things to be compared.
B. What are the boundaries of the task? dates, places, persons, ideas, etc
For this essay, you are limit yourself to comparing Mesopotamia (Sumerians
thru Babylonians from 3500 to 900 BCE) with Egypt (Old thru New Kingdoms
from 3100 to 1085 BCE)
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C. Identify and define any key terms in the question
For this essay, the key terms are government, society, and culture
Step 2. Get Organized
A. In a timed setting, jot down what you know about the topic.
For this essay, you need to read the textbook (information about Mesopotamia is
in the left column, Egypt in the right column). Identify information about each
civilization's government, society, and culture. Look at page 5 (Categories of
Comparison). Then compare the information on Mesopotamia with that on
Egypt- looking for similarities and differences between them.
B. Take the time to organize your thoughts.
In a timed setting, most students just want to jump in and start writing. But use 5 minutes to
organize/outline your answer. Use a list, a graphic organizer/thinking map, or chart.
C. What are you using for organizational categories/categories of comparison?
For this essay, your organizational categories/categories of comparison are
government/politics, society and culture
Step 3. Write a Thesis
A. The thesis will be in your introductory paragraph. Your thesis must answer the question.
Therefore, the thesis must state at least one similarity and at least one difference between the
two civilizations being compared.
For this essay's thesis, you just need to identify one specific similarity- it can be
in government, society, or culture- that Mesopotamia and Egypt have and one
specific difference- it can be in government, society, or culture- between
Mesopotamia and Egypt
B. Use three sentences to write your thesis
1. First sentence- restate the entire question- reuse their words
2. Second sentence- state a specific similarity
3. Third sentence- state a specific difference
C. Avoid the following comparisons in both your thesis and body paragraphs
Don’t say “Mesopotamia and Egypt are similar because they were both ancient civilizations.”
Really? Too obvious since that is the title of the essay.
Don't say "Mesopotamia and the Egypt are similar politically, but different culturally."
That is too vague. It is not specific enough. You have just stated categories of comparisons
Don’t say “Mesopotamia and Egypt are similar because they are both in the Middle East.”
Geography is never a relevant category for historical comparison.
Don’t say “Egypt had pyramids and Mesopotamia didn’t.”
Just refuting or rebutting something is a non-comparison.
Don’t say “Mesopotamia invented the wheel, while Egypt invented mummification”
What do they have to do with each other? This is a non-direct comparison.
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D. Two examples of better comparisons are
"Mexico and the U.S. are similar politically because they are both democracies (rule by the
people). But they are different culturally because Mexico has a Latin culture (Spanish and
Catholic), while the U.S. has a Anglo culture (English and Protestant)."
"Buddhism and Christianity are similar because they both require their followers to be
good. However, Buddhism and Christianity are different because Buddhists believe they
have multiple lives, while Christians believe they have only one life."
E. Define any terms as necessary.
Step 4. Write the first Body or Supporting Paragraph
A. Make sure the reader can tell where your paragraphs begin and end by indenting the first
sentence of each new paragraph.
B. Begin with a topic sentence!!! The topic sentence must be connected to the thesis (it is
usually a restatement of part of your thesis). In a comparison essay, the topic sentence is
either a similarity or a difference that answers the question.
C. Your following sentences must support for your topic sentence with appropriate historical
evidence. Use historical facts to back up the argument you're making. For example,
The cities of Houston and Dallas are similar in providing sporting events and
entertainment for their residents (this is the topic sentence). Both Houston and Dallas have
professional football teams (Texans & Cowboys). Both Houston and Dallas have
professional baseball teams (Astros & Rangers). Both Houston and Dallas have professional
basketball teams (Rockets & Mavericks). Both Houston and Dallas have professional soccer
teams (Dynamo & FC Dallas) (these are the supporting sentences/historical evidence
backing up the topic sentence).
D. Finally, explain why they two things being compared are similar or why they are different.
The reason why both Houston and Dallas provide sporting events and entertainment is that
these events attract business and bring in money, contributing to the economic prosperity of
the city (this is the analysis)
Step 5. Write the second Body or Supporting Paragraph
Step 6. Write the third Body or Supporting Paragraph
A. Write one body paragraph for each category of comparison (major idea or specific arguments
you wish to make). The number of body paragraphs you have will depend on the question.
For this essay, you will have three (3) body paragraphs- one addressing
government/politics, another talking about society (class & gender), and a third
dealing with culture (religion & the arts)
B. Do the same thing in these body paragraphs that you did in the first body paragraph.
Step 7. Write a Conclusion
A. Write a concluding paragraph. In the conclusion, you should rewrite the thesis. Don't copy
it word for word from the intro. Now that you have written the entire essay, you should be
able to improve on the thesis you wrote previously.
Step 8. Re-read Essay
A. Read back over your essay. Did you answer the question you were asked? Do you have
sufficient supports? Does it make sense as written? Make corrections as necessary.
IV. General Tips for Essay Writing
1. Use the vocabulary of world history, but do not overdo it or use words with definitions you are not
sure of. Define your terms as you use them.
2. The most common words in a comparison essay are:
Similar/similarly/similarity, both, likewise, alike, in the same way, as well as
Differ/different/difference, unlike, but, yet, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary
3. Write simply (KISS- keep it simple, student). Be concise- avoid the use of several words when one
word will do. Stay on point. Above all, be clear- be clear- be clear!!!
4. Write neatly and clearly. If your cursive is difficult to read, print. Although, this essay must be typed
5. DON”T USE "I." Do not include your opinions, thoughts, and feelings. Don’t judge them- what
they did wasn’t good or bad- it just was.
6. AVOID PRONOUNS- particularly it, they, them, their/theirs, this, these, that, & those. Do not
use those pronouns as I am not able to tell who or what you are talking about.
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Categories of Comparison
SOCIETY
This category includes issues pertaining to people in groups, including: the family and social
class. It also examines issues that tend to divide societies such as: race, gender, religion, social class,
ethnicity and nationality, laws, literacy, and education.
 What was the social structure- what were the social classes?
 What was the basis of the social structure- why were those classes on top? and why were those
classes on the bottom?
 Was there any mobility between classes (could you move up or down in social class)?
 What were the roles and powers of each social class?
 How were different groups (women, children, foreigners, slaves) treated in the society?
 What was the function of the family? What were the roles and powers of family members?
POLITICS / GOVERNMENT
This category includes government issues; the kinds of rulers; those ruled; the legal and judicial
system and the process of making laws; how power is gained, maintained, & lost.
 What type of government did they have (rule by one, a few, or the many)?
 Who had power? How did the leaders get power? How did the leaders keep their power?
 How much power did leaders have? How much power did others (individuals or groups) have?
 How did leaders exercise power? Who helped leaders exercise power (nature of bureaucracy)?
 How were leaders changed?
 What were the ideological foundations of government?
 What was the relationship between the government and the society, economy, and/or culture?
CULTURE
This category includes religious, moral, and ethical issues answering the basic questions: What
makes the good person, the good life, the good society? (and what is the bad). This category includes
thinkers, ideas, and the teaching and learning of these ideas. This category deals with the expression of
a community's belief system or beliefs, values, and culture in general.
 What were the dominant religious and philosophical systems?
 What was the role of religion and religious figures? How did religion impact daily life?
 What was the relationship between the religious system and those in power?
 How did the culture support social and gender hierarchies?
 How interested or tolerant were people of foreign cultures, ideas, and religions?
 What did people in this society value?
 What were the dominant artistic and literary styles?
ECONOMICS
This category includes economic issues; the impact of scarce natural, human, capital, and
technological resources and the decisions made regarding their use; trade (local, national, international);
types of economic systems.
 What kind of economic system did they have?
 What type of labor system (slavery, serfdom, wage labor, etc)?
 What was the role, level, and impact of internal and external trade? What was the role of
merchants in the economy?
 What was the role of agriculture? What was the role of manufacturing or crafts?
 What was the level of technology? Tools and/or Inventions?
 What were the gender divisions in the economy?
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