How to practice LEQs for AP World?

I've been struggling with the LEQ portion of the AP World History exam and I was wondering if y'all could share some tips or resources on how to practice and improve my skills. Also, any advice on how to structure my LEQs for better scores would be great. Thanks!

Hey there! I feel your pain with the LEQs for AP World History, as they can be quite challenging. Fortunately, with proper practice and organization, you can improve your skills and score higher.

First, let's talk about structure. A well-organized LEQ will have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In your introduction, start with contextualization—provide background information relevant to the prompt and time period. Next, craft your thesis statement, which should be a direct answer to the prompt, addressing all parts of the question. Make sure your thesis is arguable and specific.

For your body paragraphs, you should have one paragraph for each part of the prompt. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates back to your thesis, and then use specific evidence to support your argument. Ideally, you should include at least two pieces of evidence per paragraph. Be sure to analyze your evidence and explain how it supports your argument. Your analysis is crucial, as it demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter.

Finally, wrap up your LEQ with a conclusion that restates your thesis and summarizes your main points. This doesn't have to be lengthy—just concise and well-written.

Now, on to practice. One way to improve your LEQs is to work with prompts from past exams or those given by your teacher. Keep track of your progress by noting which skills need improvement and which ones you've already mastered. Another helpful resource is the College Board website, which has several released past exam questions and scoring guidelines for you to review. Take a look at the student samples and read through the feedback provided by the examiners. Forming a study group with your peers can be beneficial as well. Exchange LEQ responses with each other to receive feedback, compare responses, and learn different perspectives on the same prompt.

Aside from focusing on content, try to improve your time management skills for the exam. Time yourself in completing LEQs so you can gauge how long it takes, and then look for strategies to shorten that time without sacrificing quality. Lastly, don't hesitate to seek help from your AP World History teacher. They can offer valuable insights and guidance, and might even have additional practice resources for you. Good luck with your studies!