leq exam info

LEQ

Long Essay Question, one of two major essays on AP World History exam, worth 15% of score.

Exam Time

40 minutes to write the LEQ on the AP exam.

LEQ Score

Up to 6 points for the LEQ essay.

Question Options

Choose one of three LEQ prompts, each focusing on different time periods.

Reasoning Processes

Comparison, CCOT, or Causation used to structure LEQ argument.

Ink Requirement

Write LEQ in blue or black ink on the exam.

Time Periods

Options cover 1200–1750, 1450–1900, or 1750–2001.

Skills Tested

Explain and analyze world history issues, develop evidence-based argument.

Thesis Point

1 point for a clear, specific claim answering the prompt.

Thesis Location

Must be in introduction or conclusion, one or more sentences.

Thesis Specificity

Avoid vague statements, use prompt language, answer fully.

Acceptable Thesis

Lists specific reforms and evaluates success with complexity.

Unacceptable Thesis

Vague, restates prompt, or lacks specific evidence.

Thesis Tip

Strengthen thesis in conclusion if time allows for clarity.

Contextualization

1 point for relating prompt to broader historical events or processes.

Context Placement

Best in introduction to set historical scene.

Context Detail

More than a phrase, start broad and narrow to prompt topic.

Context Limitation

Evidence in context doesn't count toward evidence points.

Context Example

Like Star Wars crawl or Romeo & Juliet prologue, provides background.

Evidence Points

2 points total, 1 for providing examples, 1 for supporting argument.

Evidence Quantity

Include 5+ specific historical examples relevant to prompt.

Evidence Provide

1 point for listing relevant examples addressing prompt topic.

Evidence Support

1 point for using examples to prove thesis argument.

Evidence Amount

More than 5 pieces, varies yearly based on exam samples.

Evidence Rules

Inaccurate or out-of-period evidence ignored, unbalanced okay.

Evidence Readdress

Repeat contextual evidence in body to count for points.

Evidence DON’Ts

Avoid lists, be specific, expand on each evidence piece.

Reasoning Point

1 point for using comparison, causation, or CCOT to structure argument.

Reasoning Choice

Select one reasoning process and apply consistently.

Reasoning Flexibility

Uneven balance (e.g., more effects than causes) is acceptable.

Complexity Point

1 point for nuanced analysis, e.g., multiple variables or cross-period connections.

Complexity Methods

Explain nuances, both sides, connections, or alternative views.

Complexity Rarity

5-6 points are rare due to exam fatigue and mental stamina.

Class Grading

5-6 points = 100%, 4 = 90%, 3 = 80%, 2 = 70%, 1 = 60%, 0 = 50%.

Prewriting Time

Use 5+ minutes to brainstorm and plan essay.

Comparison Planning

Venn diagram for similarities and differences.

CCOT Planning

T-chart for changes and continuities.

Causation Planning

Fishbone diagram for causes and effects.

Essay Length

4-5 paragraphs typically, as needed to meet rubric.

Spelling Grammar

Not scored, but errors detract from clarity; capitalize proper nouns.

Incorrect Info

Ignored, not penalized; too many errors may hurt complexity.

Incomplete Essay

Scored on what’s written, e.g., thesis + context = 2 points.

Bad Thesis

Improve in conclusion; no time to restart essay.

Wrong Approach

Cross out sections with a single line to ignore.

Handwriting

Must be readable; extreme illegibility risks zero.

Conclusion

Not required but helps complexity and thesis refinement.

Causation Outline

Intro (context + thesis), causes (2-3 evidence), effects (2-3 evidence), conclusion.

CCOT Outline

Intro (context + thesis), changes (2-3 evidence), continuities (2-3 evidence), conclusion.

Comparison Outline

Intro (context + thesis), similarities (2-3 evidence), differences (2-3 evidence), conclusion.

External Resource

Mr. Heimler’s videos for additional LEQ guidance.