46 i STEP 3. Develop Strategies for Success
- Will I lose points for incorrect spelling or grammar? No. Each essay begins with
a score of “0.” As each task required by the question is accomplished, the reader adds
a point to the score. Points are never deducted. Because spelling and grammar are not
included in the tasks required to complete the essay, incorrect usage will not result in
denial of a point. - Will I lose points for errors such as incorrect dates? Refer to the description of
scoring in Question 6. If a date or other information is incorrect, the incorrect infor-
mation will not be scored. If you have included an abundance of correct evidence in
your essay, the incorrect material will not result in loss of opportunity to receive the
points for historical evidence. - What are some of the most common errors students make in answering the ques-
tion? The most common errors on the DBQ are forgetting to include a discussion of
bias or point of view and omitting a discussion of the additional document. Another
common error is not answering the question asked in the essay prompt. - Should I underline my thesis statement? No, the reader is capable of determining
whether or not you have included an appropriate thesis statement in your essay. - May I use a highlighter? Highlighters are not permitted.
The Continuity and Change over Time Essay
The continuity and change over time essay tests your ability to analyze how societies,
trends, or issues have changed and remained the same over long periods of time. The sug-
gested writing time for this essay is 40 minutes, including 5 minutes devoted to prewriting.
You will be given a choice of several geographical or cultural regions and will be asked to
choose either one or two of those regions on which to base your essay. The continuity and
change over time questions will involve change and continuity over one or more of the
Advanced Placement World History time periods.
Begin by writing a thesis statement that addresses the topic. Be sure to mention the
dates or time periods from the essay prompt in your thesis statement.
Depending on the wording of the essay prompt, you may choose to divide your essay
into three sections. Begin by describing the region(s) that you chose at the beginning date
mentioned in the essay prompt. In the second part of your essay, describe the region(s)
during the middle portion of the time period. In the third section of your essay, discuss the
region(s) at the end of the time period addressed in the essay prompt.
In order to address continuity in your essay, consider how the societies or issues
remained the same at the beginning, during, and at the end of the time period included in
the essay prompt. You must explain how the changes and continuities in your essay relate to
global processes occurring at the same time. Analyze the causes and effects of the changes
and continuities.
The following are some frequently asked questions regarding the continuity and
change over time essay:- Does the thesis statement have to appear at the beginning of the essay? No, the
thesis statement may appear at the beginning or at the end of the essay. Since the thesis
statement serves as a guide for the essay, however, it is better to place it at the beginning
of the essay.
TIPSTRATEGY