The document provides guidance on writing comparative essays for the AP World History exam. It emphasizes that essays should directly compare and contrast at least three aspects of the topics being analyzed. The best format uses broad categories to organize comparisons of specific themes and concepts between the topics. Common problems to avoid are separately describing the topics without comparing or contrasting them, getting facts confused, and not finishing due to time constraints.

1. Writing Essays for the AP World History Exam Comparative

3. Rubric Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different This says at LEAST on – you need THREE – Rule of 3!!! Analyze means to say why – why is there a difference or similarity

4. Tackle the question

5. Brainstorm

6. Format of essay Remember you only get points for pointing out the similarities and differences. Consider the following…

7. Problems… Where are you going to compare and contrast??? Throw out this format...it does not lend itself to DIRECT comparison.

8. More problems Can work, but not always Again – aim for three body paragraphs for DIRECT comparisons.

9. Best format Use the broad categories to help you organize, then arrow them to themes and concepts You can use ASPIRES to help you create your broad categories, but point out specifics in your essay.

10. Try to map it out or use tables or outline Thesis – Same as before – address question, use groups, include time period if noted and give defining categories Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes Evidence Evidence Evidence Conclusion with some historical context Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes

11. Common problems Describing the two things/events separately (with great evidence) but never comparing and/or contrasting – NO POINTS FOR DESCRIBING Confusing dates, people, and places Running out of time and not finishing

12. GENERAL PROBLEMS ON ALL ESSAYS NOT ADDRESSING THE PROMPT SIMILAR BUT NOT DIFFERENT CHANGE BUT NOT CONTINUITY LOSING FOCUS GIVING UP GOOD LUCK AND NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP