LEQ Structure and Formula Notes

Sufficiency of Paragraphs: Students often ask if a five-paragraph essay is sufficient. The reality is that there is no set number of paragraphs required; an essay only needs enough paragraphs to establish and sustain the argument.
The Conclusion Paragraph: A conclusion paragraph is not required by the College Board rubric. Including one does not inherently earn points, and students are advised that it is not necessary for a successful score.
Flexibility of the Template: While a formula or template is provided to demonstrate the principles of earning points, every LEQ (Long Essay Question) is different. Students may need to break out of the template as needed. It is historical thinking, rather than the adherence to a specific form, that earns points.

Contextualization Placement: The essay should begin with two or three sentences of contextualization at the start of the first paragraph.
Contextualization Requirements: - Use specific historical evidence by naming actual vocabulary words. - Provide an explanation for why these examples of the larger historical context are important or relevant to the specific argument being made.
Thesis Statement: - The thesis must end the first paragraph. - It should be no more than two sentences in length, though one sentence is preferred. - It must consist of a historically defensible argument. - It must establish a "roadmap" by identifying specific categories of the argument. - If the thesis establishes two categories (e.g., social and political), then the essay should have two corresponding body paragraphs.

Structure: Each body paragraph should follow the T-E-A formula: Topic sentence, Evidence, and Analysis.
T: Topic Sentence: - This sentence sets the theme for the paragraph. - It should be derived directly from the categories established in the thesis. - Example: "X caused significant social change during this period."
E: Evidence: - Evidence must be specific, such as a proper name or a vocabulary word. - One should name the evidence and then define or explain what that word/event is.
A: Analysis: - This consists of at least one sentence showing how the evidence proves the topic sentence and, by extension, the thesis. - Analysis is defined as demonstrating how the evidence supports the specific claim made in the topic sentence.

Numerical Evidence Thresholds: - To earn full points for evidence, a minimum of two pieces of specific historical evidence must be used. - The recommended target for students is a minimum of four pieces of evidence to ensure a stronger argument and to pursue the complexity point.
Point Breakdown for Basic Scoring: By following the T-E-A formula with at least two pieces of evidence and a solid thesis, a student should earn 5 out of 6 points: - Points for the Thesis. - Points for Evidence. - A point for constructing an argument that demonstrates historical thinking (often awarded by default if the T-E-A structure is used correctly).

The Complexity Point (6th Point): This is awarded for a sophisticated understanding of the historical process.
Achieving Complexity through Evidence: - One straightforward way to earn complexity is to use four pieces of evidence instead of two. - Each piece must be named, explained, and analyzed.
Categorization of Evidence for Complexity: The point is not earned by merely multiplying evidence, but by how that evidence is utilized. - Support and Challenge: Use two pieces of evidence that support the main argument and two pieces that potentially challenge or qualify it. - Change vs. Continuity Example: If an essay argues that a development caused significant social change, the student should provide two pieces of evidence for social change and two pieces of evidence suggesting social continuity (things that remained the same).

AP Essay Cram Course: A resource mentioned for walking through every point on the required writing for the exam.
Thesis Writing Video: A specific recommended tutorial for students who struggle with crafting a historically defensible argument.