Writing Introductory Paragraphs for the APUSH LEQ

Doing a Long Essay on the APUSH Exam:

Today we are going to watch this video about writing your Long Essay on the APUSH Exam.  You may want to take a few notes so you can remember what you are doing and what the Rubric is for getting points.  (You can find the APUSH Long Essay Rubric in your books as well.)

Assignment (Part I): Period 1 or 2 Write a good introductory paragraph with a strong thesis statement as if you were going to write a full essay.  For the purpose of this assignment, I'm ONLY looking for the introductory paragraph, but it should be well-written, complex, and NOT simply restating the prompt.  Clearly state what your essay will be about, state your position, and let the reader know what you will be writing about. It should be 4-5 sentences (2-3 background sentences on the topic and a thesis statement of 1-2 sentences). Choose one of these two essays to write your introductory paragraph for:

Period 1: 1491-1607

1.       Compare and contrast the British, French, and Spanish imperial goals in North America between 1580 and 1763.

Period 2: 1607-1754

2.       Some historians have argued that the development of differing economies shaped differing social structures in the English colonies in North America. Support, modify, or refute this contention using specific evidence.

Assignment (Part II): Period 3

Choose one of these two essays to write your introductory paragraph for:

Period 3: 1754-1800

3.       Evaluate the extent to which the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War, 1754–1763) marked a turning point in American relations with Great Britain, analyzing what changed and what stayed the same from the period before the war to the period after it. 4.       Some historians argue that Shays’s Rebellion tested the Articles of Confederation, which led to the Constitutional Convention and the call for a stronger central government. Support, modify, or refute this contention using specific evidence.

More help with the Thesis Statement:  If you need the extra help.