FRQ (Free Response Question) Writing Tips
On the AP tests (and on in-class tests and writing seminars) you will have 35 minutes to write a freeresponse essay. General length is about 2-3 handwritten pages. You need to do the best you can now to
make your handwriting as legible as possible for the AP test. The steps to writing an AP essay:
1. Analyze the question.
2. Organize the information.
3. Develop a thesis.
4. Write the introductory paragraph.
5. Write the supporting paragraphs.
6. Write a conclusion
1. Analyze the question (1 minute). Take a minute to make sure that you really know what the
question is asking. Answer the question as it is – don’t answer the question you want to answer.
Focus on the key words or phrases:
Analyze: determine the component parts; examine their nature and relationship.
Assess: judge the value or character of something; appraise; evaluate
Compare: examine for the purpose of noting similarities and differences.
Contrast: examine in order to show dissimilarities or points of difference.
Compare and contrast: detailed examination to analyze the similarities and differences of a
situation.
Criticize: make judgments of the merits and faults of something. Criticism may approve,
disapprove, or both.
Define: give the meaning of the word, phrase, or concept, fix the boundaries of an idea.
Describe: give an account of; tell about; give a word picture of.
Discuss: talk over; write about; consider or examine by argument or from various points of
view; debate; present the different sides of.
Enumerate: mention or list separately, name one after another.
Explain: make clear or plain; make clear the causes or reasons for; make known in detail; tell
the meaning of.
Evaluate: consider both positive points and the negative ones; give an opinion regarding the
value of; discuss the advantages and disadvantages of.
Identify: cite specific events, phenomena, and show a connection.
Illustrate: make clear or intelligible by using examples.
Interpret: explain the meaning of, make plain, present your thinking about.
Justify: show good reasons for, present your evidence, offer facts to support your position
Prove: establish the truth or genuineness of something by giving factual evidence or logical
reasoning.
Trace: detailed examination of a complex issue or situation in order to understand its nature
or determine its essential features.
Remember that all questions REQUIRE you to take a position, not just to “spit back” facts.
Remember that you do not need to personally agree with the position you take to write the essay.
2. Organize the information (five minutes). Take a few minutes to plan your essay- this will
help you write it faster. Jot down the most basic of notes, using abbreviations as much as
possible. Make sure you have enough material to support your thesis.
3. Develop a thesis. Your essay MUST have a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis will
identify the topic of an essay, take a position based on the evidence available, and offer a
preview of supporting ideas. Example:
In the 16th century, Spain’s success in conquering American lands (TOPIC)
was based upon fundamental changes that had already occurred
(POSITION)
in the culture, economy, and technology of Europe.
(PREVIEW)
Essay writing (30 minutes)
4. Write the introductory paragraph. All good introductory paragraphs must contain:
 basic background information that defines all key terms
 the thesis statement (usually the last sentence of the paragraph)
 a preview of the supporting ideas.
5. Write the supporting paragraphs- generally there are three supporting paragraphs, but this
might vary based on the question. Each supporting paragraph should include:
 a topic sentence that relates to the thesis.
 an analysis of specific relevant, historical evidence to support the topic sentence.
 at least three solid pieces of evidence to support the topic sentence.
 transitions between paragraphs
 a consideration of counterarguments or conflicting evidence when appropriate.
6. Write a conclusion – your conclusion should restate your thesis in a fresh way (no “cut and
paste.”) End with a statement that ties the topic into the larger theme of US history.
 Do not introduce new evidence here.
 If you are running out of time, write this paragraph LAST. If needed, sum up in one
sentence.
Other general suggestions:
 Always write in third person (no “I”, “we”, or “in my opinion”).
 Use active voice (“Lincoln proposed” not “the law that was proposed by Lincoln”).
 Avoid absolutes (all, every, never, none).
 Use specific terms (“ in Plessy vs. Ferguson” not “in the court case regarding
segregation”).
 Distinguish between primary and secondary causes to show a more sophisticated
understanding of an issue.
 Remain objective – don’t pass judgment or opinions.
 Never use slang words or curse.
 Be confident in your knowledge and writing skills.
DBQ (Document Based Question) Writing Tips
On the AP exam (and on in-class tests) you will have 15 minutes to plan and 45 minutes to write
a DBQ essay. Never forget that this is an essay, and should follow all of the rules of good essay
writing.
Planning time (15 minutes)
1. Read and analyze the question. Make sure that you know what the question is asking
you. Circle the dates, and underline key terms. These terms will become your topics
(paragraphs) as you develop the essay.
2. Brainstorm and your knowledge about this time period using PERSIA. Use this
outside information when writing the essay.
P – political
E – economic
R – religious
S – social
I – intellectual
A – artistic
3. Develop a thesis statement. A strong thesis will identify the topic of an essay, take a
position based on the evidence available, and offer a preview of supporting ideas.
4. Read each document. In the margin, jot down the main idea. If the question is asking
you to make an opinion, note the documents that support or refute your thesis.
Writing time (45 minutes)
1. Writing an introductory paragraph with a thesis and historical background.
2. Write supporting paragraphs reflective of the key terms included in the question. Each
paragraph should contain 3+ pieces of evidence to support your thesis.
3. Write a good conclusion that restates the thesis in an interesting way. Consider why
this topic is important (the “so what?” question). Consider how it relates to the bigger picture of
US history.
Ideas to consider:
 Use the documents to support your arguments. Don’t make a laundry list and explain
what each document means.
 Use half the documents plus one. You do not need to use every document.
 Include 50% of information from documents and 50% from outside documents.
 Try to demonstrate connections between documents when possible.
 “Document A” says nothing. “Thomas Jefferson wrote that Americans deserved
political freedoms…(doc A).”
 Deal with the counter-arguments – do not ignore them.