Guide to LEQs

There are FOUR types of LEQs you may encounter

You will have 35 minutes to complete this essay
You will be given TWO choices of prompts on the exam, but both will test the
same skill
The Historical Thinking Skill will be listed under the prompt: Comparison,
Periodization, Causation, or Changes and Continuities Over Time

Pre-Writing is the MOST important part!!!

- Rewrite the prompt as a question. Your thesis will be the answer to the question.
- Make a chart to plan your essay
Rubric
Thesis- Must fully answer the prompt
Argument Development:
-

1. Comparison
Must explain SIMILARITIES and DIFFERENCES
Must explain WHY similarities and differences occurred

2. Periodization
Must explain events BEFORE and AFTER the turning point.

3. Causation
Depending on the prompt you must discuss CAUSES, EFFECTS, or BOTH
Must explain WHY causes/effects occurred

4. Changes and Continuities Over Time

Must explain changes and continuities
Must explain WHY the changes and continuities occurred

Historical Evidence
- Support your argument with as many specific facts and examples as possible
Synthesis
- Compare the topic to another region, event, field of study, or time period
- You can always compare it to todays world if you cant think of anything else.

Sample Outlines
Changes and Continuities OR Comparison Essay
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Introduction
a. One sentence background information about topic
b. Thesis Statement- Must include changes and continuities OR similarities and
differences
Changes
a. Topic Sentence: Explain Change #1 (or similarity #1)
b. Evidence- Present specific facts that provide evidence of the changes (or
similarities). You must explain how each piece of evidence relates to the change,
not just merely list evidence.
c. Reason WHY- Explain why this change occurred. What other forces, events, people,
regions had an impact on this change?
d. Repeat these steps if you have multiple changes. You may want to make them into
separate paragraphs.
Continuities
a. Topic Sentence: Explain Continuity #1 (or difference #1)
b. Evidence- Present specific facts that provide evidence of the continuities. You must
explain how each piece of evidence relates to the continuity, not just merely list
evidence.
c. Reason WHY- Explain why this continuity occurred. What other forces, events,
people, regions had an impact? Why didnt it change?
d. Repeat these steps if you have multiple continuities. You may want to make them
into separate paragraphs.
Conclusion
a. Restate thesis and summarize main argument.
b. Synthesis in a well developed paragraph

Periodization Essay
I.
II.

III.

Introduction
a. One sentence background information about topic
b. Thesis Statement: Include at least 2 arguments for or against turning point.
Body Paragraphs
a. Topic sentence explaining first argument presented in thesis.
b. Evidence- Present specific facts that provide evidence of the turning point. You
must explain how each piece of evidence relates to your argument, not just merely
list evidence.
c. You must explain events BEFORE and AFTER the turning point to get credit.
d. Repeat these steps for each argument presented in your thesis.
Conclusion
a. Restate thesis and summarize main argument.
b. Synthesis in a well developed paragraph

Causation Essay
I.
II.

Introduction
a. One sentence background information about topic
b. Thesis Statement: Include causes and/or effects.
Body Paragraphs
a. Topic sentence explaining first argument presented in thesis.

III.

b. Evidence- Present specific facts that provide evidence of causes and/or effects. You
must explain how each piece of evidence relates to your argument, not just merely
list evidence.
c. You must explain WHY the causes and/or effects occurred.
d. Repeat these steps for each argument presented in your thesis.
Conclusion
a. Restate thesis and summarize main argument.
b. Synthesis in a well developed paragraph

LEQ Practice
For each prompt, follow these steps:
1. Underline or circle key words in the prompt.
2. Rewrite the prompt as a question.
3. Make a chart to help you brainstorm and organize information.
4. Write a thesis statement.
Comparison Prompt: Compare the efforts of European governments to control religion in the
period 1450 to 1648 with the efforts of European governments to control religion from 1648 to
1815.

Periodization Prompt: Evaluate the extent to which the French Revolution can be considered a
turning point in European political history.

Causation Prompt: Evaluate the impact of Europeans overseas empires in the 1700s and 1800s
on the Consumer Revolution.

Changes and Continuities Prompt: Analyze the extent to which womens roles changed from the
16th century through the 18th century.