Writing Practice
Lesson #2
Pre-Writing
Mr. Chandler’s AP US History
The Prompt
Analyze the ways in which
British imperial policies between
1763 and 1776 intensified
colonials’ resistance to British
rule and their commitment to
republican values.
Step #1: Analyze the Question
Analyze
Analyze the ways in which
British imperial
imperial policies
policies
between 1763
and 1776
1776
1763 and
intensified colonials’ resistance
intensified
to British rule and their
commitment to republican
values.
Step #2: Categorize
Brainstorm information for each of the
categories and place it appropriately.
Category 1: Imperial Policies
Category 2: colonials’ resistance
Category 3: Commitment to republican
values
Step #3: Analyze and Categorize
Documents (if it’s a DBQ)
• This isn’t a DBQ, so skip this
step.
Step #4: Decide How the Question
Can Be Answered
Imperial Policies Intensified
Resistance and Commitment
to Republican Values
Imperial Policies DID NOT
Intensify Resistance and
Commitment to Republican
Values
Step #5: Decide How You Will
Answer
What is your Y statement?
British imperial policies between 1763 and 1776
caused colonists’ resistance to British rule as well as
their commitment to republican ideals to intensify,
eventually culminating in the American Revolution.
What is your X statement?
Prior to 1763, British imperial policies regarding the
American colonies could best be described as
neglectful and unobtrusive.
Step #6: Support Your Y
Evidence A:
Taxes
Evidence B:
Supposedly unfair laws – laws perceived
as unfair
Evidence C:
Punitive (punishing) policies
Step #7: Write Your Thesis
Statement
•
•
•
•
•
•
X; however, A, B, and C, therefore Y.
X; however, because of A, B, and C, Y.
Even though X, because of A, B, and C, Y.
Even though X, Y, because of A, B, and C.
Because of A, B, and C, Y, even though X.
You get the idea 
Although prior to 1763, British Imperial policy
toward the American colonies could best be
described as neglectful and unobtrusive,
because of various taxes, laws perceived
as unfair, and punitive acts against the
colonies, British Imperial policy between
1763 and 1776 served to intensify colonial
resistance and commitment to republican
values.