Free Response Section

The Free Response Section is an essay question section. You will answer the DBQ in Part A and TWO questions out of a choice of four in Part B and C. You will be given a 15 minute required reading period and 115 minutes writing time for all essays.

Examples of Essay Questions, From the 2001 AP

Part B

Directions: Choose ONE question from this part. You are advised to spend 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes writing your answer. Cite relevant historical evidence in support of your generalizations and present your arguments clearly and logically.

2. How did economic, geographic, and social factors encourage the growth of slavery as an important part of the economy of the southern colonies between 1697 and 1775?

3. The Jacksonian Period (1824-1848) has been celebrated as the era of the "common man." To what extent did the period live up to its characterization? Consider TWO of the following in your response.

Economic development
Politics
Reform movements

Part C

Directions: Choose ONE question from this part. You are advised to spend 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes writing your answer. Cite relevant historical evidence in support of your generalizations and present your arguments clearly and logically.

4. How and why did transportation developments spark economic growth during the period from 1860-1900 in the United States?

5. Describe and account for the rise of nativism in American society from 1900 to 1930.

Sample Responses with teacher comment