AP European History
2014-2015
Renaissance Essay Questions
Directions: For each question, write a strong thesis statement and a VERY BRIEF! outline of the paragraph
organization. This assignment must be typed (you can decide on the spacing, i.e. single, double, etc.) and
brought to class in hard copy. You will turn in this preparation on the day of the Renaissance essay, and
this assignment will be graded out of 15 points. For the essay test, I will select one of the questions, and
you will have 35 minutes to write a complete essay in class, without the aid of this preparation or other
materials.
**Remember that these essays can be 4 paragraphs rather than 5, but only if the organization makes the
most sense that way. If you leave out a big point that could have been a 3rd body paragraph, then your
essay will be weaker and your grade will reflect that weakness.
**Your thesis must be 1-2 sentences (not more!) and it must be SPECIFIC. A simple rewording of the
question, such as “Renaissance ideas were expressed in the art and literature of the period” will not receive
credit.
For example:
Question: Why is St. Francis better than Bellarmine?
Thesis: Saint Francis is better than Bellarmine because it has superior teachers, a better
football team, and a much cooler mascot.
Body Paragraph Organization:
I.
superior teachers
II.
better football team
III.
much cooler mascot
1. To what extent and in what ways may the Renaissance be regarded as a turning point in the Western
intellectual and cultural tradition?
2. Discuss how Renaissance ideas were expressed in the art and literature of the period, referring to
specific artists/works of art and writers/literature.
3. Did women have a Renaissance?