Timed Writing In AP World
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The AP World History Exam contains
three types of Essays:
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Document Based (DBQ)
Change & Continuity over Time (CCOT)
Comparative
Time allowed is 40 minutes per
essay—and 10 minutes
preparation.
The Comparative Essay
Basic Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show
competence.
1. Has an acceptable thesis (1)
2. Addresses all parts of the question. (2)
3. Supports thesis with appropriate historical
evidence. (2)
4. Makes at least one or two relevant, direct
comparisons between and among societies. (1)
5. Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or
difference identified in the direct comparison. (1)
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The Comparative Essay
EXPANDED CORE
Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence
The basic core score of 7 must be achieved before a
student can earn expanded points. (1-2 Points)
 Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis.
 Addresses all parts of the questions (as relevant):
comparisons, chronology, causation, connections,
themes, interactions, content.
 Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate
thesis.
 Relates comparisons to larger global context.
 Makes several direct comparisons consistently
between and among societies.
 Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of
relevant similarities and differences.
Construction
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Dissect your question:
 Compare
the social and
organizational environments of
Middle School and High School.
 What
are the task words?
 What are the parameters?
 What are the key terms?
Construction
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Pre-Writing
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Compare urbanbased societies with
pastoral/nomadic
societies: political,
social (class, labor,
and gender),
economic, cultural
SPICE or deeper
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Thesis
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This is your “roadmap” or “trailer”. One
point, but oh so important.
 Fully address the question being asked.
 Take a position.
 Provide organization categories that will
be used in the essay.
Compare the major political developments of two
of the following Classical Civilizations: India,
China, or Mediterranean.
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Classical India and Classical China have both
similarities and differences in their political
developments. (What is Missing? This is 3rd grade stuff)
There are similarities and differences in the ways
India and China expanded, controlled their territory,
and approached religious differences. (BETTER—
but still missing? This is 8th grade stuff)
The governments of India and China were similar in
how they expanded their territory, but were different
in the ways they governed territories and in their
attitude toward religious freedom. BEST
Thesis - The governments of India and China were
similar in how they expanded their territory, but were
different in the ways they governed territories and in
their attitude toward religious freedom.
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Body Paragraph 1 –similarities in the ways India
and China expanded
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Body Paragraph 2 – differences in the ways they
controlled their territory
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Body Paragraph 3 – differences in the ways they
approached religious freedom
Body Paragraphs
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A TOPIC SENTENCE that connects to the thesis statement
(the ways India and China expanded).
Then evidence (details) and analysis (why).
Both Classical Indian and Chinese Civilizations began
with expansion through military conquests. The
Mauryans more than the Guptas used their massive
war machine to forcefully unify regions of India after
defeating Alexander’s Generals. Han expansion
included military conquests of not only Chinese
territories but also regions along the Silk Roads. In
both China and India, the dynasties were founded
by generals. The desire to expand their territory was
important because this was the means by which
both empires increased their resources and power.
Conclusion Paragraph
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Restate the thesis and give the essay a
finished “feeling”.
This could be where you make
comparisons to the larger global
context. (Maybe tie in the Romans)
REMINDERS
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Budget your time!
COMPARE and CONTRAST—Give
RELEVENT and DIRECT Comparisons
This is an academic essay – use
appropriate language.
Do not use personal pronouns “I”,
“you”, or “me”.
Make sure that your body paragraphs
connect to your thesis.
Phrases that Show
Comparison
Similar to…,
Both…,
Like…,
Compared to…,
In the same way…,
Analogous to…,
One connection between…,
Phrases that Show Contrast
One difference between…
Unlike…where…,
In contrast to…,
Whereas…,
Though…,
Phrases that Show
Causation
One reason that explains
why…was…
One cause of…was…
One effect of…
Because of…
Consequently…
As a result…