AP World History

Style Guide for

Writing
Richard Smart
Oakland Mills High School
http://learningsmart.org

5 Essentials
1. Answer the question.

2. Plan

3. Use detailed evidence.

4. Avoid “I” & 1st person.

5. Use past tense

 Introduction
Thesis writing (WAC)
 Include all the key Words from the
question.
 Define your Argument/position.
 Identify Categories.

W A C

Main Body
A good paragraph is written when you “PEE”
on the page:
Point – topic sentence connected to the thesis

Evidence – detailed, specific, concise

Evaluation – explain how the evidence proves

your thesis (use IS2).
 How do you Evaluate your
evidence?
Demonstrate analytical and evaluative writing.
Use these words after your evidence – they will
force you to evaluate…
IS2
Implies Suggests

Illustrates Shows

Conclusion
Repeat your Rehearse Big So What?
thesis. Categories Make your
Using Restate your point
different paragraph Use without
language. topics. statements to
give more
power to your
This is your last argument.
chance… use it!
 Use the rubric
& graphic
organizer to
help you plan.

Compare / Contrast
Question
3 tips...

Make sure you make “.... is, but … is not.” Give strong reasons
direct Not statements do NOT for the comparisons
comparisons/contrasts make contrasts. and contrasts. Think
between “like” things. carefully here!

Compare / Contrast Rubric

Maximum Points 9
Basic Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show competence:
1) Has acceptable thesis (1pt)
2) Addresses all parts of the question, though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. (2pts)
Addresses most parts of the question (ie similarities, but not differences) (1pt)
3) Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence. (2pts)
(Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence) (1pt)
Two points requires that students do ALL of the following:
 Include a total of five-six pieces of accurate historical evidence to support thesis or
argument, with appropriate evidence for each reason.
4) Makes at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among societies.
(1pt)
5) Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or difference addressed in a direct
comparison. (1pt)

Expanded Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence.
Expands beyond the basic core of 1-7 points. A student must earn 7 points in the basic core area
before earning points in the expanded core area. (0-2pts)
 Comparison/Contrast
Chinese evidence European Evidence
This is your
This chart will topic sentence
structure each
paragraph for
you. Include one
or more.

Reasons include:
Reason Geography or
economics

More to follow…

Contact
richard_smart@hcpss.org
with questions…