How to write a good history essay in exam

Writing Study Skills

Write More Often AP students need to write, and to write often. This practice is an excellent way to develop the skill of casting a thesis statement and marshalling evidence in support of a valid generalization.

Define Your Terms Where Necessary Look especially at terms like liberal or conservative, radical or progressive. Be prepared to define other central terms, such as major change, that may appear to be obvious but can be ambiguous.

Start with a Clearly Stated Thesis Some good essay writers begin with a thesis statement, back it up with supporting evidence from documents and outside knowledge, and, if time permits, restate the thesis case study international business law the end.

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Other writers analyze the material and build up logically to their thesis statement. On an AP Exam, you should use whichever method you feel most comfortable with.

In any case, exam day is probably not a good time to experiment with a new, unfamiliar method of writing. Doing so takes time, and lost time means lost points.

Watch For Key Words Does your instructor ask you to "discuss," "compare," "contrast," "summarize," "explain," or "relate"? Note that some key words give you more freedom than do others.

The words "contrast" and "summarize," for instance, are very precise. You must obey these words by doing exactly what they say. However, the word "discuss" gives you some freedom.

You might discuss a topic by summarizing, relating, explaining, or some combination thereof. Answer the Major Question An essay question is just what the name implies--an essay. You know that kindergarten homework packet printable essay should have a thesis or purpose statement; the answer you write for the essay question should also have a thesis to help you organize your thoughts and keep you from straying from your main point.

A clear thesis will also make your answer easy for your instructor to follow.

AP United States History Writing Study Skills

Organize before you write. If other students are writing furiously, they are probably writing without a purpose. Make a rough outline to keep you on track. After outlining, write the essay, filling in the details. Be as specific as possible. Do not be satisfied with general statements such as, "Spallanzani advanced the science of microbe hunting. Review, think about, and supplement answers composed by other people.

Exam Writing Tips: How to Answer Exam Questions

Right before the exam Free write about the course for about 5 minutes as a warm-up. Exam writing Read carefully Look for instructions as to whether there thesis paper chapter 1 choice on the exam.

Circle key words in questions e. Manage your time At the beginning of the exam, divide the time you have by the number of marks on the test to figure out how much time you should spend for each mark and each question. Leave time for review. These types of questions contain information that may help you answer the essay part. Start by answering the easiest question, progressing to the most difficult at the end.

Generally write in sentences and paragraphs but switch to point form if you are running out of time.

Essential Exam Tips

Discuss relationships between facts and concepts, rather than just listing facts. Include one item of information concept, detail, or example for every mark the essay is worth. Organize the plan around a central thesis statement.