Recording-2025-03-25T18:56:12.638Z

Test Overview

• Test Structure:

  • Long test with 55 questions.

  • Followed by writing three FAQs.

  • In-depth Document-Based Question (DBQ) requiring a 5-page essay.

  • Lastly, a Long Analytical Question (LAQ).

Common Issues in LAQ

• Lack of Completion: Many students leave their LAQs blank due to time constraints.

• History Reference: Unlike DBQ, LAQ does not leverage external documents for support; students must rely on their stored knowledge.

Thesis Requirements

• Thesis Consistency: The thesis remains the same for both DBQ and LAQ.

• Historical Accuracy: A defensible thesis must be based on correct historical facts, avoiding blurring of timelines or events (e.g., confusing the Civil War and World War I).

• Claim Establishment:

  • Take a clear position (e.g., comparing the success of labor unions).

  • Address aspects of continuity vs. change (e.g., the New Deal's effectiveness).

Thesis Presentation

• Thesis Placement: Found either at the start (introduction) or end (conclusion) of the essay.

• Conclusion Importance: Conclusions should focus on reiterating the thesis rather than adding new points.

Contextual Knowledge

• Context Similarity: The context for LAQ writing is similar to DBQ, connecting to broader historical trends.

• Expansion on Context: Avoid using mere phrases or references; clearly articulate how context relates to the topic.

Essay Structure and Evidence

• Paragraph Structure: No set number of paragraphs required for the LAQ; focus on clarity and organization.

• Evidence Requirements: Each body paragraph should contain:

  • A claim or topic statement.

  • Line of reasoning.

  • Supporting evidence with analysis.

• Specific Examples: Aim to include proper nouns or key terms in your evidence (e.g., historical figures, events).

• Evidence Quantity: Generally, 3-5 specific terms or pieces of evidence are sufficient to demonstrate understanding and earn points.

Scoring and Point Allocation

• Total Points Possible: The LAQ is graded out of 6 points.

• Point Distribution:

  • Up to 1 point for thesis.

  • Full context and evidence leading to a maximum of 4 points.

  • Up to 1 point for essay organization (holistic point).

  • Flexibility in scoring—don't need a perfect score to do well overall (recommended aim is 3-4 points).

Strategies for Writing

• Outline: Brief outlines are encouraged before starting the formal writing process.

• Time Management: Aim to complete the essay within a specified time (about 35 minutes recommended).

• Types of Questions: Be familiar with different types of historical inquiries, such as causation, change over time, or comparative analysis, and adjust your essay accordingly.

Types of LAQs

• Causation Questions: Explore multiple causes and effects (e.g., the impact of the French and Indian War).

• Change Over Time: Discuss significant shifts between periods (e.g., the implications of the Mexican-American War).

• Compare and Contrast: Take a definitive stance in your claims, asserting similarities or differences between subjects (e.g., comparing economic conditions).

Conformity Themes in the 1950s

• Defining Conformity: The 1950s is often characterized by political, social, and cultural conformity influenced by economic prosperity.

• Suburban Growth: The emergence and expansion of suburbs as symbols of the American Dream; the role of the GI Bill and consumerism in shaping these communities.

• Historical Context: Distinct stages of post-war America, including labor dynamics and the shift towards white-collar work.

Cultural Critiques and Counter Movements

• Cultural Response: Increasing critiques of conformity from intellectuals and artists (e.g., Beat Generation).

• Awareness of Social Issues: Simultaneous visibility of poverty and social discontent contrasting the idealized suburban lifestyle.

• Emergence of Movements: Precursor movements paving the way for heightened activism in the 1960s (e.g., feminist movements).