Thesis Formula and the HTS: X. However A, B, C.
Therefore, Y PASSAGE – APUSH Course Themes
1. Historical Causation (Cause and Effect): P olitics and Power
What are the major causes or consequences of “event” and what were the most important?
A merican and National Identity
causes or consequences of “event”?
X = least important cause or consequence, with an explanation why S ociety and Culture
A, B, C = most important causes / consequences, explanations why, broken up thematically S ettlement and Migration
Y = your assertion statement (argument/claim) A merica and the World
2. Patterns of Continuity and Change over Time:
G eography and the Environment
What are the major patterns of continuity and change over the time period(s)? E conomy: (Work, Exchange, and Technology)
X = continuity or change, your counter-argument
A, B, C = continuity or change during the specified time period, broken up thematically
Y = your assertion statement (argument/claim)
3. Comparison:
Document Sourcing in the DBQ - HIPPO
What similarities and differences are there between the two items? Are there more similarities H: Historical Context or I: Intended Audience or P: Purpose or P: Point of View
or differences? What accounts for those similarities and differences? and O: Organize (use the HIPP to propel your argument). Complete for 4 or more docs.
X = more similar or different, your counter-argument
A, B, C = similarities or differences between two things, broken up thematically
Y = your assertion statement
Types of Contextualization:
4. Periodization (Turning Point):
Evaluate whether something was a turning point or a major marking period in history, noting Local Context (Historical Context when analyzing a DBQ document) … How does the
what things were like before and after that period and the extent or amount of change. document connect to other events in the time period? Be specific. The “H” from HIPPO.
X = counter argument, why something was or was not a turning point Broad Context (Contextualization point in the DBQ rubric) … How does the argument or
A, B, C = argument, why something was a turning point broken up thematically an event fit within the bigger picture of American history? Connect to events immediately
Y = your assertion statement preceding the time period or to a larger theme that connects time periods. Should be several
sentences or a separate paragraph.
Notes: Thesis statements often benefit from the use of words such as although, however, Other Context (Synthesis)… How does the topic or evidence in the essay connect with
despite, even though, etc. since they indicate the complexity of having weighed both sides. something from a different time period, geographical area, analytical category or theme?
Thesis statements should take a historically defensible position, answer all parts of the Should be several sentences with a specific linkage not just a passing reference. Go beyond!
question, provide a road map of the essay and be placed in the introductory paragraph.
ACE the Short Answer Question: Multiple Choice DBQ LEQ
Label each part of an SAQ (A, B, or C). Be direct and precise. Thesis
Source Thesis
Each part of an SAQ should be answered with a 2–4 sentence response. Contextualization HTS
Themes/Concepts Argument
A Answer—Directly answer the question by identifying your claim. Evidence
Eliminate answers Document Use Synthesis
C Cite—Provide a specific piece of evidence to support your answer. Annotate/Close Read Sourcing
E Expand—Connect the evidence to your answer and provide context. Measure Your Pace Outside Info
Synthesis