Long Essay Question

The APUSH Long Essay Question (LEQ)

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a strong LEQ by constructing a defensible thesis, demonstrating historical thinking skills, and integrating specific evidence.

What Is the LEQ?

The Long Essay Question requires you to:

• Choose ONE of THREE essay prompts (covering different time periods)
• Develop a historically defensible argument using evidence from your own knowledge
• Demonstrate historical thinking skills (causation, change over time, comparison)

Time: 40 minutes

Points: up to 6 points

No documents are provided — you must use your own knowledge.

The LEQ Rubric (6 Points)

Thesis/Claim (1 point)

• Historically defensible claim that establishes a line of reasoning
• Not just restating the prompt

Contextualization (1 point)

• Broader historical context connected to the argument
• A paragraph of context (not a single sentence)

Evidence (2 points)

• 1 point: uses 2 or more specific pieces of historical evidence relevant to the argument
• 2 points (additional): uses specific evidence AND explains how it supports the argument

Historical Reasoning (1 point)

• Uses a historical thinking skill (causation, comparison, or continuity/change) to frame the argument

Complexity (1 point)

• Demonstrates nuanced understanding (similar to DBQ complexity requirements)

Choosing the Right LEQ Prompt

Three prompts = three time periods:

• Option 1: usually pre-Civil War
• Option 2: usually late 19th–early 20th century
• Option 3: usually post-WWII

Choose based on:

• Which period you know MOST specifically (can name events, people, legislation)
• Which historical thinking skill the prompt requires (and which you're strongest at)

Don't choose based on: which period seems "easier" in the abstract — choose based on your actual knowledge depth.

Thesis Requirements

Same requirements as the DBQ thesis:

• Historically defensible claim