LONG ESSAY PROMPTS
APUSH Practice
WHAT AN EFFECT LONG ESSAY RESPONSE SHOULD DO
State a relevant thesis that directly addresses all parts of the question.
Support the argument with evidence, using specific examples.
Apply historical thinking skills as directed by the question.
Synthesize the elements above into a persuasive essay that extends the
argument, connects it to a different historical context, or connects it to a
different category of analysis.
UNIT 1 & 2
Some historians have argued that encounters between European colonists and Indians
in the Americas during the period 1492 – 1676 were overwhelming negative in
shaping the future of indigenous peoples, but positive in shaping the future of those
who migrated to the Americas. Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing
specific evidence to justify your answer.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Patterns of Continuity & Change over time
UNIT 3
#1
Evaluate the extent to which the Declaration of Independence marked a turning point
in American history, analyzing what changed and what stayed the same from the
period immediately before the declaration to the period immediately following it.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Periodization
#2
Some historians have argued that the American Revolution was not revolutionary in
nature. Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing specific evidence to
justify your answer.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Patterns of Continuity & Change over time
UNIT 4
Some historians have argued that the economic expansion that took place during the
first market revolution (1790 – 1850) was not truly laissez-faire in nature.
Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing specific evidence to justify
your answer.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Patterns of Continuity & Change over time
UNIT 4
Evaluate the extent to which the Mexican-American War (1844 – 1846) marked a
turning point in the slavery – anti-slavery debate during the Antebellum Era (1820 –
1861), analyzing what changed and what stayed the same from the period before
the war and the period immediately following.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Periodization
UNIT 5 & 6
Evaluate the extent to which after the Reconstruction period (1877 – 1920) Southern
leaders created a “New South” that marked a turning point, analyzing what changed
and what stayed the same from the period before and the period immediately
following.
UNIT 6&7
#1
Compare & contrast the programs & policies designed by reformers of the Progressive Era to
those designed by reformers of the New Deal period. Confine your answers to those programs
and policies that addressed the needs of those living in poverty.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time period or
geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Periodization
#2
Some historians have argued that the New Deal was ultimately conservative in nature.
Support, modify, or refute this interpretation, providing specific evidence to justify your
answer.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time period or
geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Patterns of Continuity & Change over time
UNIT 8
Some historians argue that the containment policies of the United States from 1945 –
1975 were ultimately a failure. Support, modify, or refute this interpretation,
providing specific evidence to justify your answer.
•Skills Assessed –Argumentation; Use of Evidence; Synthesis (connection to other time
period or geographic location, additional category of analysis)
•Historical Thinking Skill –Patterns of Continuity & Change over time