The Free-Response Question : The Free-Response Question FRQ
What Is the Free-Response Question? : What Is the Free-Response Question? Two part essay section
Pre – 1870 (one prior to 1740)
After – 1870 (one after 1950)
Two questions in each group – select one from each group
70 minutes to plan and write both essays
What Is the Free-Response Question?Continued : What Is the Free-Response Question?Continued Yes and No
Multiple arguments
All outside information
Not as long or in-depth as DBQ
Defensible thesis
Information to support thesis
Analysis, Analysis, Analysis
Evidence, Evidence, Evidence
Question Types : Question Types Most FR Essays ask you to analyze, assess or evaluate cause and effects
Many essay questions focus on change over time.
3. Assess the impact of any THREE of the following on the United States’ decision to declare war on England in 1812:
impressment
the Embargo Act of 1807
America’s desire for Western land
America’s military preparedness
4. How were the lives of the Plains Indians in the second half of the nineteenth century affected by technological developments and government actions
Question Types : Question Types 5. In what ways did economic conditions and developments in the arts and entertainment help create the reputation of the 1920’s as the Roaring Twenties?
6. How do you account for the appeal of McCarthyism in the United States in the era following the Second World War?
Which Questions to Choose : Which Questions to Choose The one you know most about
Not the easiest at first glance
The more you know about the subject, the better the final grade
How to Write the Essays : How to Write the Essays Read the question thoroughly
Analyze and breakdown the question
Circle and/or underline important words and phrases
Create a grid, cluster, chart or take notes
How to Write the Essays : How to Write the Essays Analyze information and devise a thesis
Quick outline (if you have time)
Opening paragraph which includes an opening statement, your opinion on the question and your arguments that answers the prompt.
Split time between both essays (35 minutes)
Write clearly and neatly
Analysis, Analysis, Analysis
Evidence, Evidence, Evidence