Ap Us History Prompts

Analyze

• Meaning: Break down the topic into its components and explain how the parts relate to each other. Look for cause and effect, relationships, or significance.

• Example: Analyze the political, social, and economic effects of the Civil War during the Reconstruction era (1865–1877).

Evaluate

• Meaning: Make a judgment about the extent or degree of something. Consider the validity, success, or impact and weigh the evidence.

• Example: Evaluate the extent to which the New Deal was successful in addressing the problems of the Great Depression.

Compare and Contrast

• Meaning: Identify similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Focus on both aspects equally unless directed otherwise.

• Example: Compare and contrast the effects of the First and Second Great Awakenings on American society.

Assess the Validity

• Meaning: Judge how true a given statement is, using evidence to support or refute it.

• Example: Assess the validity of the statement: "The American Revolution was not truly revolutionary."

To What Extent

• Meaning: Measure the degree or scope of something's impact or significance. Provide evidence for both sides before making a judgment.

• Example: To what extent did Manifest Destiny shape American foreign policy in the mid-19th century?

Explain

• Meaning: Clarify how or why something happened. Focus on causes, processes, and results.

• Example: Explain the causes of the rise of industrialization in the United States during the late 19th century.

Describe

• Meaning: Provide a detailed account of the topic, focusing on characteristics and key points. This is less common in LEQs but may appear.

• Example: Describe the challenges faced by the colonies during the American Revolution.

Discuss

• Meaning: Examine different aspects of the topic, providing a balanced overview with evidence for each point.

• Example: Discuss the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the American Revolution.