APUSH Things to be mindful of an do

1. DBQs (see pages xxxiv-xxxv of blue prep book)

a. biggest strengths use of documents for the most part, people have been able to analyze all or all but
one of the documents for content and been able to put them into a synthesized and coherent essay
b. biggest issues
i. Thesis statements we need to think about how to write thesis statements that better QUALIFY
our responses and move beyond simply restating.
ii. Analysis for background this can often go further
iii. Outside information we need to bring more of this into the picture this is where background
knowledge comes into play
iv. Contextualization we need to put what we write about into the broader historical picture
this is where background knowledge comes into play
2. Long Essays/Research papers (xxvii)

a. Biggest strengths support, general adherence to MLA format, generally coherently written and
synthesized
b. Biggest issues
i. Thesis statements see above issue
ii. Use of sufficient mix of primary and secondary sources (research papers)
3. FMOs
a. On the whole these have been great remember to be thoughtful in the images and quotes you choose
so that they best exemplify the spirit of the chapter
b. When making the personal statements, be sure to consider Kennedys (books author) point of view
c. Be sure that you read/take notes on the chapters for which you do not have to do an FMO
4. DBQ and Research Paper Reflections write a brief (roughly 1 page response) that reflects on how you fared for

each of the major categories that were evaluated on each of the aforementioned assignments (DBQ and
Research Paper). If you did excessively well, explain how you can replicate your success again in the future,
again, being mindful of the categories that were evaluated. Both reflections will be counted as quiz grades
a. DBQ Reflection due on turnitin.com by Thursday, 11/13/14
b. Research Paper Reflection due on turntin.com by Monday, 11/17/14
5. FMO 3 This FMO will be for either chapter 14, 15, or 16 these are longer chapters and they are all heavily

thematic. A signup sheet will be posted on the website tonight. Please sign up online for the chapter of your
choice. A signup sheet will be passed around on Friday for stragglers. Whichever FMO you choose WILL BE
COUNTED AS A TEST GRADE. This FMO will be collected on Friday, 11/21/14
6. Test on Period 4 and Period 5.1 will be Friday, 11/14/14 it will be multiple choice notes will be counted as
10%