Transcript AP WORLD: WRITING TIPS

AP WORLD:
WRITING TIPS
The Comparative Essay
The Comparative Essay usually asks you
to analyze broad historical issues for two
areas of the world.
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Pick the areas you know the most about!
Sample Question: Compare the dynamics of
trade of trade in TWO of the following regions for
the periods mentioned:
China during the Qin and Han dynasties
The Mediterranean during the Roman Empire
Mesoamerica during the Maya Empires.
South America during the Inca Empire
The Thesis
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Make sure you address the QUESTION!
Thesis must compare similarities and
differences!
Is it thesis or not? Why or why not?
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In Maya culture the elites used a form of
hieroglyphic writing to keep records while
elites in the Inca society used a complex
method of knot tying called quipu to keep
records.
NO: Good facts, but it addresses
technology not trade. Doesn’t address
similarities!
Is it thesis or not? Why or why not?
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Trade dynamics in the Roman Empire
centered around the Mediterranean Sea.
In China, however; they used rivers for
trade. Both societies used water routes to
transport goods.
YES: Not sophisticated, but addresses
similarities and differences.
Is it thesis or not? Why or why not?
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The greatest similarity between the Han
and the Roman Empires involved trade
since both were linked by the Silk Road
and both used the structures of empire to
support transportation projects. The
greatest difference was in the types of
items traded by each civilization.
YES: Much more sophisticated thesis.
Did You Address All Parts of the
Question?
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Did you address:
- the dynamics of trade
- Similarities?
- Differences?
*** Similarities can be the tough part when
comparing 2 different regions.
Categorical “Split” Form
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Thesis that has an argument and sets out topics
Body Paragraph 1 = Topic 1 - Sims and Diffs,
Evidence for both, Reasons for sim or diff
Body Paragraph 2 = Topic 2 - Sims and Diffs,
Evidence for both, Reasons for sim or diff
Body Paragraph 3 = Topic 3 - Sims and Diffs,
Evidence for both, Reasons for sim or diff
Conclusion
Did You Provide Enough Historical
Evidence (Facts)?
Need to know facts about the topic to get the points on this
essay.
 Incorrect facts do NOT take points away.
 Essays should have at least one piece of evidence for each
region.
 Examples:
- The Inca road system facilitated trade from one region of the
empire to another.
- Roman ships carried wheat, wine, and olive oil throughout
the Mediterranean Sea.
- Chinese trade expanded dramatically through the Silk Roads
during the Han dynasty.
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Did you make a “direct comparison”
between the societies?
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Cannot be found in the thesis.
Using the “categorical split” essay form
makes this easier.
Use comparative words to link the 2
regions.
Examples: also, as well as, furthermore, on
the other hand, however, etc…
Did you analyze the reasons for the
similarities and differences?
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Do this by answering the question…Why?
Why did these similarities and/or differences exist?
Examples:
- The Romans and Incans had elaborate road systems
because both had empires that stretched across vast
territories.
- Rome was located on the Mediterranean Sea, consequently
its trade was water-based to a great extent. The Aztec
Empire differed since its location within Mesoamerica meant
that its trade was not as focused on water travel.
Go for the “expanded core” points.
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Must receive all of the 7 core points first of all.
Below are some possible areas that readers are
looking for while scoring essays.
Clear and analytical thesis
Abundance of evidence
Frequent and consistent direct comparisons
between areas
Comparisons related to larger global processes.
DOS and Don’tS
Do:
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Select regions for which you have the most
information.
Make sure your thesis addresses all parts of the
question.
Include similarities and differences between the
two areas.
Use your comparative words and phrases.
Mention plenty of facts (evidence).
Offer analysis!
Don’t
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Favor one area and exclude the other.
Use facts that are off topic. You won’t have
points deducted, but it will make your essay
more difficult to read.
Discuss each area in isolation. Remember
the “categorical split” essay form!