This guide compiles tips from students who earned 4s and 5s on their exams, offering new strategies and tools to enhance your study sessions. However, keep in mind that everyone learns differently—what works for someone else might not suit you. If you already have an effective study method, stick with it. Treat this guide as additional support, not a complete change to your routine.

Overview of the Historical Essay Section

• Task: Choose one topic from three options and write an essay supporting an argument.

• Exam Weight: 15% of the total exam score.

• Time Allocation: Plan to spend 40 minutes on this section.

Scoring Breakdown (7-Point Rubric):

1. Thesis/Claim (1 point):

   • Present a clear and concise argument that directly addresses the prompt.

2. Contextualization (1 point):

   • Set the stage by explaining the broader historical context relevant to your argument.

3. Use of Specific Evidence (3 points):

   • Incorporate at least three specific, relevant examples to support your thesis.

4. Complexity (2 points):

   • Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic by:

     • Addressing counterarguments.

     • Making connections across themes, periods, or regions.

     • Explaining multiple perspectives.

Tips for Success:

• Start with a Plan: Spend 5-7 minutes outlining your thesis, key points, and evidence before writing.

• Be Clear and Focused: Address the prompt directly and avoid unnecessary tangents.

• Use Historical Terminology: Show your knowledge by using appropriate terms and concepts.

• Conclude Strongly: Reinforce your thesis and tie your evidence back to the argument.

By following this structure, you can write a compelling, well-organized essay that maximizes your score.

General Advice

Strategies for Tackling the LEQ (Long Essay Question)

When to Write the LEQ

• Save It for Last:
  Since the DBQ takes longer and may help you recall useful information for the LEQ, it’s often best to complete the LEQ afterward.

Planning Your Essay (5 Minutes)

1. Choose the Right Question:

   • Select the question you feel most confident about—one where you can recall several pieces of outside information.

   • If time periods confuse you, avoid prompts with strict time frames, as evidence outside the boundaries won’t earn points.

2. Understand the Prompt:

   • Reread the question 3-4 times to grasp its requirements. Use the “Topic, Task, Time Period” method to identify:

     • Topic: What is the focus of the question?

     • Task: What are you being asked to do (e.g., compare, analyze, explain)?

     • Time Period: What are the boundaries of the prompt?

3. Outline Briefly:

   • Spend 5 minutes sketching a basic outline to organize your ideas.

   • Divide your paragraphs based on different parts of your thesis to stay structured and avoid scrambling for content.

Writing the Essay (35 Minutes)

1. Start with a Strong Thesis:

   • Clearly address the prompt and outline your argument.

2. Structure Your Paragraphs:

   • Each body paragraph should focus on a specific part of your thesis and include:

     • A clear topic sentence.

     • Specific evidence (at least 2-3 examples per paragraph).

     • Analysis connecting the evidence to your argument.

3. Time Management:

   • Allocate 40 minutes total for the LEQ and check your progress every 10 minutes. If you’re spending too long on one part, move on to ensure you complete the essay.

Additional Tips for Success

• Come Up with Multiple Arguments:

  • Brainstorm 2-3 possible arguments and choose the one with the strongest evidence to write about.

• Write Something, Even If Unsure:

  • If you’re uncertain, include responses that are somewhat related to the prompt—you might still earn partial credit.

• Stay Within the Time Frame:

  • Ensure your evidence aligns with the time period specified to avoid losing points.

By planning effectively, staying organized, and choosing a question you know well, you can maximize your score on the LEQ.

Tips for Writing a Strong AP Euro Essay

Preparation and Brainstorming

1. Fact Dump:

   • Take 1-2 minutes to jot down all the relevant facts and ideas about the prompt. For example:

     • Before the Scientific Revolution, Europe was governed by religion, not logic.

     • Use this brainstorm to fuel your contextualization in the introduction.

2. Focus Your Evidence:

   • Select 2-3 pieces of evidence that clearly and logically support your argument. Keep your examples linear and tied directly to the topic.

3. Broaden Your Perspective:

   • Evaluate opposing viewpoints to develop a counter-thesis, which will help achieve the complexity point.

   • Integrating contrasting arguments strengthens your essay’s depth.

4. Plan Your Thesis:

   • Before writing your thesis, ensure you have at least two pieces of evidence for each claim. A thesis built around solid evidence is more coherent and easier to support.

5. Contextualization with a Mini Timeline:

   • Create a quick timeline of events related to the question to establish the “why” of your argument.

   • This timeline can help you tie the specific event to larger historical trends or processes.

Writing the Essay

1. Start with Contextualization:

   • Begin your introduction by situating the topic within its broader historical context. For example:

     • During the Middle Ages, European governance was heavily influenced by religious doctrine. This dominance shifted with the Scientific Revolution, as logic and empirical evidence began to challenge long-standing religious authority.

2. Write a Clear Thesis Statement:

   • Let your evidence shape your thesis, not the other way around. Avoid cherry-picking evidence just to fit a narrow argument.

3. Use Specific Evidence:

   • Support each claim with at least two concrete examples. For instance:

     • The heliocentric theory by Copernicus challenged the geocentric model upheld by the Church, marking a pivotal shift toward science-based reasoning.

4. Achieve Complexity:

   • Address counterarguments within your essay to show a nuanced understanding of the topic. For example:

     • While the Scientific Revolution promoted logic over religion, many religious institutions adapted, incorporating scientific discoveries into their worldview.

General Tips

• Link Events:

  • Tie your argument to broader events using key dates and historical connections (e.g., WWI, Thirty Years’ War).

• Avoid First-Person Pronouns:

  • Use objective language:

    • Instead of “I think the Cold War hurt decolonization movements,” say, “The Cold War hindered decolonization movements because…”

• Maximize Points Early:

  • Secure the thesis and contextualization points first. These are foundational to your score.

Tips for Earning Each Point

Example LEQ Prompt:

"Evaluate the extent to which the Scientific Revolution represented a shift in European thought."

Claim/Thesis

“Although some may argue that the Scientific Revolution was a continuation of earlier intellectual traditions because scholars like the ancient Greeks also engaged in scientific inquiry, ultimately, it represented a significant shift in European thought because it prioritized empirical evidence over religious and philosophical speculation, fostered the development of the scientific method, and promoted a worldview centered on human reason and observation.”

1. Introductory Paragraph

• Contextualization: Briefly describe the intellectual environment in Europe before the Scientific Revolution, highlighting the dominance of religious authority and classical knowledge.

• Thesis Statement: Your thesis is the foundation of your argument. Make sure it clearly outlines the three key points that will structure your essay: the prioritization of empirical evidence, the development of the scientific method, and the promotion of human reason and observation.

2. Body Paragraph 1: Prioritization of Empirical Evidence

• Topic Sentence: The Scientific Revolution marked a departure from religious and philosophical speculation by emphasizing empirical observation and experiment-based knowledge.

• Details to Include:

  • Copernicus’ heliocentric theory and how it challenged the geocentric model.

  • Galileo’s use of the telescope to gather evidence that contradicted the church’s teachings.

  • How the reliance on empirical data laid the foundation for future scientific inquiry.

3. Body Paragraph 2: Development of the Scientific Method

• Topic Sentence: The Scientific Revolution fostered the development of the scientific method, a systematic approach to inquiry that focused on observation, experimentation, and verification.

• Details to Include:

  • Francis Bacon’s promotion of the scientific method and its emphasis on experimentation.

  • René Descartes’ emphasis on reason and skepticism of traditional knowledge, leading to a new method of questioning and discovery.

  • How the scientific method became central to scientific inquiry, guiding future research and breakthroughs.

4. Body Paragraph 3: A Worldview Centered on Human Reason and Observation

• Topic Sentence: The shift towards human reason and observation during the Scientific Revolution reshaped European thought and culture, laying the groundwork for the Enlightenment.

• Details to Include:

  • Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, which promoted a mechanistic view of the universe governed by rational laws.

  • The Enlightenment’s embrace of reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, all influenced by the principles established during the Scientific Revolution.

  • The shift in thinking from divine intervention to natural explanations for phenomena.

5. Conclusion

• Restate Thesis: Reaffirm that the Scientific Revolution represented a significant shift in European thought, marking a departure from religious influence and promoting a new approach to understanding the world through observation, reason, and empirical evidence.

• Broader Implications: Highlight the long-term impact of the Scientific Revolution, including its influence on the Enlightenment, the rise of modern science, and its ongoing role in shaping how we understand the world today.

Tips for Writing the LEQ:

• Be Specific: Use specific historical evidence to support your thesis. Generalizations won’t score well, so ensure you include details like names, dates, and events.

• Organize Your Essay: Make sure each body paragraph directly relates to a point in your thesis statement. Your topic sentences should help guide the structure of your argument.

• Answer the Prompt: Make sure you’re directly addressing the prompt and stay focused on the key themes (e.g., the shift in thought, the role of empirical evidence, and human reason).

• Complexity Point: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or nuances (e.g., the ongoing influence of religion during the period), which shows a deeper understanding of the historical context.

Contextualization Example for the LEQ on the Scientific Revolution:

Before the 1500s, European intellectual life was dominated by the authority of the Church and ancient scholars like Aristotle and Galen. These figures shaped much of the medieval understanding of the natural world, with a strong emphasis on philosophical and religious explanations rather than empirical evidence. However, during the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries), there was a renewed interest in humanism and classical texts, which encouraged questioning established beliefs. This intellectual movement, coupled with advances in technology like the printing press, paved the way for the Scientific Revolution. Scientists such as Copernicus and Galileo began to challenge traditional views by focusing on direct observation and experimentation, leading to a radical shift in how Europeans viewed the universe. By the 17th century, figures like Isaac Newton further developed these ideas, solidifying the scientific method and promoting a more rational, evidence-based approach to understanding nature.

Why This Contextualization Works:

1. Timeframe: The context is set within a 200-300 year range, focusing on the period just before the Scientific Revolution (Renaissance and early 1500s) and the early stages of it. This is within the appropriate timeframe for the question.

2. Connection to the Thesis: The context highlights the intellectual climate before the Scientific Revolution, making it clear why the revolution was a significant shift—moving away from philosophical and religious explanations towards empirical observation and experimentation.

3. Brevity and Relevance: The contextualization is concise, offering just enough background information to set the stage for the argument without over-explaining. It ties into the essay’s broader argument about the shift in European thought.

4. Clear Transition: The contextualization smoothly transitions to the thesis, linking the Renaissance's questioning spirit to the development of the Scientific Revolution and the changes in European thought that followed.

Specific Evidence Usage

Paragraph 1 – Prioritized Empirical Evidence Over Religious and Philosophical Speculation

• Galileo Galilei's Observations:

  • Used a telescope to observe Jupiter's moons, challenging the Church's geocentric model (Earth-centered universe).

  • Shifted focus from religious beliefs to direct observation of the natural world.

• Copernicus' Heliocentric Theory:

  • Proposed the Sun, not the Earth, as the center of the universe.

  • Based his theory on mathematical calculations and observations, challenging religious doctrine and ancient Greek ideas.

Paragraph 2 – Fostered the Development of the Scientific Method

• Francis Bacon's Empiricism:

  • Advocated for gathering data through observation and experimentation.

  • Rejected older methods based on speculation and reasoning, pushing for evidence-based inquiry.

• René Descartes' Deductive Reasoning:

  • Developed a system of logical thinking that emphasized doubt and reason.

  • Complemented Bacon's methods, helping establish a structured approach to scientific investigation.

Paragraph 3 – Promoted a Worldview Centered on Human Reason and Observation

• Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion & Universal Gravitation:

  • Developed laws that explained how the universe operates using mathematics and physical observations.

  • Promoted the idea that the universe works through natural laws understandable by humans.

• The Enlightenment:

  • The Scientific Revolution set the stage for the Enlightenment, where reason and individual thinking were valued.

  • Thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot promoted using reason and science to reform society and challenge traditional authorities.

Earning Points for Evidence in Your Essay:

1. Support Your Thesis with Specific Historical Examples:

• Use Detailed, Relevant Examples: Provide specific historical events, figures, or movements that directly support your thesis.

  • Examples should be varied (cover different aspects like political, social, cultural, etc.).

  • Be precise and elaborate on each example (include who, what, when, where, and how).

2. Incorporate Additional Evidence Beyond the Prompt:

• Go Beyond the Prompt: Include at least one additional relevant piece of evidence not directly mentioned in the prompt.

  • This shows depth of knowledge and critical thinking.

• Think Outside the Box: Consider including cultural, political, economic, or social evidence that adds depth to your argument.

  • Example: When discussing a revolution, mention its causes, key figures, and its broader impact.

3. Be Precise and Specific:

• Don’t Just Name-Drop: Identify specific events, figures, and details—don’t just mention names without explaining them.

  • Example: Instead of just naming "The Treaty of Versailles," explain its significance in context.

4. Use Evidence to Support Claims:

• Weave Evidence Into Your Argument: Don’t just define evidence; connect it to your thesis.

  • Example: "The Treaty of Versailles, a peace agreement after World War I that forced Germany to pay damages, exemplifies the punitive measures that shaped interwar tensions."

5. Make Analysis Clear:

• Explain Why Evidence Is Important: Don't just state the evidence, but explain why it’s relevant to your argument.

  • Example: "This shows... this is important because..."

6. Ensure a Logical Flow of Evidence:

• Organize Evidence Clearly: Use evidence in a way that flows naturally within your essay.

  • Try not to over-define or focus too much on one piece of evidence at the expense of others.

Tips:

• Brainstorm for Evidence: Reflect on key events, figures, and themes related to the time period.

• Use DBQ/MCQ Resources: If stuck, use ideas or sources from DBQs or reading passages.

• Combine Explanation with Analysis: Balance your evidence with clear reasoning to tie everything back to your thesis.

Analysis and Reasoning

Earn this point by continuing to structure your argument that the Scientific Revolution did in fact represent a CHANGE in European thought. You have to demonstrate this point throughout your essay, not just in one part, but this is an example sentence: 

"Following the Scientific Revolution, the reliance on empirical observation and experimentation in understanding the natural world became increasingly prevalent, marking a significant shift from the previous era, where knowledge was predominantly derived from religious texts and the authority of ancient philosophers.”

Analysis Point 1: Historical Reasoning

To earn this point, your essay needs to demonstrate historical reasoning (e.g., causation, change over time, or comparison). Here's how you can approach it:

1. Clearly Understand the Prompt:

• Identify the key themes and historical reasoning required (causation, change over time, or comparison).

• Example: If the prompt asks about the extent of change in European thought, you'll need to show how and why thought changed.

2. Develop a Strong Thesis Statement:

• Your thesis should directly address the prompt and set the stage for your argument.

• Example: "The Scientific Revolution represented a significant shift in European thought because it prioritized empirical evidence, promoted the scientific method, and influenced Enlightenment thinkers."

3. Organize Your Essay Around Historical Reasoning:

• Causation: Discuss two causes of the Scientific Revolution and one effect (or vice versa).

• Change Over Time: Address how European thought changed during the period and include one way it didn’t.

• Comparison: Compare how the Scientific Revolution was similar or different from previous intellectual movements.

4. Integrate Analysis with Evidence:

• Example: "The shift from religious explanations to empirical evidence during the Scientific Revolution marked a significant change in European thought, as shown by Galileo's use of the telescope and Copernicus' heliocentric theory, which directly contradicted traditional religious views."

5. Conclude Effectively:

• Summarize how your evidence supports your thesis and reflects the historical reasoning method.

• Example: "Thus, while religious authority still remained strong in some areas, the intellectual transformations sparked by the Scientific Revolution catalyzed a lasting shift in how Europeans viewed the natural world and their place in it."

Analysis Point 2: Complexity

This point is awarded when your essay shows a nuanced understanding of the topic, and you explain the complexity of the issue in your argument.

1. Explaining the Nuance of an Issue by Analyzing Multiple Variables:

• Examine how different factors interacted and led to broader consequences.

• Example: "Technological advancements in scientific instruments (e.g., the telescope) led to a better understanding of the cosmos, which influenced the development of the scientific method and further advanced political thought, suggesting a complex interconnection of ideas."

2. Explaining Both Similarity and Difference, or Continuity and Change:

• Show how the Scientific Revolution both changed and preserved elements of European thought.

• Example: "While the Scientific Revolution drastically shifted intellectual life by emphasizing empirical evidence, it also preserved the belief in a divine order, as seen in the work of Newton, who saw his laws as a reflection of divine will."

3. Explaining Relevant and Insightful Connections Within and Across Periods:

• Link events, ideas, or figures from different time periods or regions.

• Example: "The Renaissance’s focus on humanism set the stage for the Scientific Revolution by encouraging the exploration of the natural world, a theme that was later expanded upon during the Enlightenment."

4. Corroborating Multiple Perspectives Across Themes:

• Present evidence from different themes (political, social, intellectual) to prove your point.

• Example: "The emphasis on reason in the Scientific Revolution not only changed the way people understood nature but also influenced political thought, encouraging ideas about governance based on rationality rather than divine right."

5. Qualifying or Modifying an Argument by Considering Alternative Views:

• Address counterarguments, but explain why your perspective is stronger.

• Example: "Although the majority of Europe remained deeply religious during the Scientific Revolution, the long-term intellectual shifts from religious dogma to scientific inquiry represent a far more significant change in how Europeans viewed the world."

Complexity Point Overview

• Complexity Must Be Present in Every Paragraph:

  • Complexity should be woven throughout the essay, not just in one paragraph dedicated to complexity.

  • Focus on developing a strong argument and articulating it clearly, rather than relying on fancy language or advanced sentence structure.

• Focus on Developing a Strong Argument:

  • Present information, provide evidence, and explain how the evidence supports your argument.

  • A high-scoring LEQ is based on how well you present and explain your evidence, not just on using complex language.

• Incorporating a Different View (Final Paragraph):

  • To show complexity, offer a different perspective on the event or topic, such as its effects, causes, or connections to other categories.

  • Example: If discussing the causes of a war, add a paragraph on the effects of the war for complexity.

• Include Multiple Variables:

  • Analyze several factors that contribute to an event (e.g., political, economic, social reasons).

  • Example: Discuss the religious, economic, and power motivations for colonization and compare them to motivations for colonizing different regions (Americas vs. Asia or Africa).

• Tie to the Present (Optional Approach):

  • Link historical events to modern-day consequences.

  • Example: The French Revolution’s impact, such as the creation of the Napoleonic Code, which is still in place in France today.

• Prioritize a Strong DBQ Over Complexity Point:

  • If you're running out of time, focus on completing your DBQ. The complexity point is harder to earn, so don't prioritize it over finishing your essay.