Mastering AP US History: Writing DBQs, LEQs, and Exam Prep
This course is designed to prepare high school students for the AP US History exam by providing an engaging and comprehensive overview of significant historical events from the 1491 to the present.
Dr. Brooke Nelson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Weekly assignments that reinforce historical analysis and essay skills, culminating in a full-length practice AP exam to assess readiness and understanding.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
This 6-week study group is designed to help students master the essential skills needed for success on the AP US History exam. We will focus on key exam skills, such as analyzing primary sources, writing clear thesis statements, and effectively comparing historical events. Each week, students will gain a deeper understanding of both content and technique, preparing them to confidently tackle DBQs, LEQs, and SAQs. The historical content will align with the Unit being covered at this point in the academic year. Students may repeat the course as they progress through the Units. The examples will be updated to align with what they are covering. Each session is focused on a specific AP exam skill—such as document analysis, thesis writing, or making historical comparisons. The course is structured with a mix of instruction, hands-on practice, and interactive discussions. Sessions will also include short content reviews of major historical periods to support skill-building exercises. I will guide students through the AP skills in a highly interactive manner. My teaching style combines short lectures, slides, video clips, and group discussions to ensure that students engage with the material in multiple ways. After introducing a key skill, we’ll dive into real AP-style practice questions, working together to break down how to approach each question type. What’s my teaching style? My approach is supportive and student-focused. I prioritize engagement and active learning, encouraging students to share their ideas, ask questions, and participate in discussions. I believe in giving personalized feedback so that each student can continuously improve their writing and analysis skills. Each session includes: • Small-group discussions on key historical events and themes. • Collaborative practice with writing DBQs, LEQs, and SAQs. • Direct feedback on writing assignments and strategies for improvement. • Opportunities to ask questions and receive clarification during class or via messages outside of class. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their historical analysis, improved their essay-writing skills, and gained confidence in their ability to succeed on the AP US History exam.
Learning Goals
• To understand and retain key facts and narratives of US history from 1491 to contemporary times.• To analyze primary and secondary sources critically.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Document Analysis (Primary Sources)
• Key Skill: Analyzing primary sources and building evidence-based arguments.
• Activities: Focus on how to approach primary sources in DBQs. Students will practice identifying the author’s point of view, purpose, and historical context using documents.
• Writing Practice: Breakdown of DBQ source analysis with examples and guided practice on formulating evidence-based responses. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Contextualization
• Key Skill: Placing events within broader historical contexts.
• Activities: Review key events. Practice writing contextualization statements that connect local events to broader trends.
• Writing Practice: Short-answer questions (SAQs) focused on embedding contextualization into responses. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Thesis Writing and Argumentation
• Key Skill: Crafting strong, clear thesis statements and supporting arguments.
• Activities: Analyze key historical developments of the Unit to build strong, defendable theses. Students will work on writing effective thesis statements and learn how to structure their essays around a clear argument.
• Writing Practice: Develop thesis statements for LEQs. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Synthesis and Making Connections
• Key Skill: Connecting different historical events and periods to broader themes and trends.
• Activities: Using the examples from the Unit as case studies, students will practice making connections between economic, political, and social changes across periods.
• Writing Practice: Synthesis practice, integrating events from different periods into DBQ and LEQ responses. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This course involves discussion of complex and sometimes sensitive historical events. Engagement at home is encouraged to further enrich the students' understanding and contextual grasp.
Pre-Requisites
Students should have a basic understanding of world history. No prior knowledge of US history is required, but a keen interest in learning about the past will enhance the experience
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2021
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Religious Studies from Claremont Graduate University
Master's Degree in History from University of California, Irvine
I bring over a decade of experience teaching history and writing history curriculum, with a focus on making history accessible and engaging through interactive lessons and a supportive classroom environment. My aim is to help students not only prepare for the exam but also develop a lifelong interest in history.Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
weekly or $300 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-10 learners per class
