AP World History Comparative Essay Generic Rubric Overview

Basic Core

Historical skills and knowledge required to show competence.

Expanded Core

Historical skills and knowledge required to show excellence.

1.  Has acceptable thesis.                        1 Point

     (addresses comparison of the

      issues or themes specified)

2.  Addresses all parts of the                  2 Points

    of the question, though not

    necessarily evenly or thoroughly.

    (Addresses most parts of the                  (1)

    question: for example, deals with

    differences but not similarities)

3.  Substantiates thesis with                  2 Points

     appropriate evidence.  

     (Partially substantiates thesis with       (1) 

     appropriate evidence.)

4.  Makes at least three relevant,          1 Point

     direct comparisons between or

     among societies.

5.  Analyzes at least three reasons        1 Point

     for a similarity or difference

     identified in a direct comparison.  

Expands beyond basic core of        

1-7 Points.  The basic core of a          0-2 Points

score of 7 must be achieved

before a student can earn

expanded core points.

Examples:

  • Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
  • Addresses all parts of the question (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content.
  • Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis.
  • Relates comparisons to larger global context.
  • Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies.
  • Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences.

Subtotal                                                  7 Points

Subtotal                                              2 Points

                                        

TOTAL         9 Points

Comparative Essay Notes

  1. The time allotted for the essay is 40 minutes, 5 minutes of which should be spent planning and/or outlining the answer.

COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY

Compare is taken to mean show similarities and differences.

Contrast is taken to mean show differences.

---Ideas for compare/contrast essays:

        How different societies responded to each other, other societies or events

        How different societies changed or didn’t change in response to certain events

        How different societies developed

        How different societies responded to new technologies or ideas

 ---Read the question CAREFULLY

---Underline and/or mark the parts carefully

        key verbs

        time period

--Set up a chart including all the parts of the question

 General Rules:

---There is no set length but a minimum of 4 paragraphs is necessary

---You must address all parts of the question

---Define all terms as you use them

---Include reasons for the similarities or differences

---Ideas for Introduction:

        Three sentences---- 1. General statement containing time and place

                               2. Factual statement /bridge

                               3. Thesis (might partially re-state question. Although is a

                                                    magic word for this type of essay)

---Use transitions between paragraphs

---Body paragraphs contain a minimum of 5 sentences

---Conclusions might include the reason why the similarities/differences were more

           important

Structure for Writing Compare and Contrast Essays

 Sample prompt: Compare and contrast the Inca and Aztec cultures.

 

The Split                           categories

Body paragraph 1        political         (Similarities and differences)

Body paragraph 2       economic       (Similarities and differences)

Body paragraph 3       social              (Similarities and differences)

         Similarities and differences

Body paragraph 1 - similarities

      Political

      Economic

      Social

Body Paragraph 2 - differences

          Political

      Economic

      Social

* There may not be similarities and differences in all three categories.

 The Lump

Body paragraph 1 - region I

      Political Economic

      Social

Body Paragraph 2 - region 2

      Political Economic

      Social

* * When writing the body paragraph 2 you must make comparisons and contrasts back to information in the body paragraph 1.

 No matter which structure you choose, you must be sure to make direct comparisons.

Tips:

  1. In a compare and contrast essay, it is very important that there constant comparisons between the two subjects in every paragraph.
  2. There is no set length for a compare and contrast essay but it is usually necessary to have at least 4 paragraphs.
  3. It is crucial that you address all parts of the question in your answer.
  4. Define terms as you use them
  5. Include reasons for the similarities or differences between the subjects. 
  6. The concluding sentence might include the reason why the similarities/differences were important or why they occurred.
  7. To write a decent comparative essay, then, you are going to write an essay with a thesis, support that thesis by referencing relevant history, and compare and contrast as the question indicates, making sure you include not only similarities but also differences.
  8. In a compare and contrast essay, the most important points mentioned are similarities, differences, analysis, short term effects, long-tern effects, historian viewpoint’s, connections, and historical evidence. Mention change over time and use time occasionally.