Introduction: Why the LEQ Matters in AP World
The Long Essay Question (LEQ) is one of the most challenging parts of the AP World History exam. Unlike multiple-choice questions that test factual recall, the LEQ measures your ability to think like a historian: crafting arguments, using evidence, and making analytical connections across time periods.
It’s worth 15% of your total score — the same weight as the Document-Based Question (DBQ). To do well, you’ll need to understand the rubric, practice writing clear arguments, and learn how to avoid common mistakes.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the LEQ, with tips, examples, and resources from RevisionDojo to make essay writing less stressful and more strategic.
Understanding the LEQ Rubric
The AP World LEQ is scored on six points:
- Thesis (1 point): Must be a defensible claim responding to the prompt.
- Contextualization (1 point): Situate your argument in broader historical developments.
- Evidence (2 points): Provide at least two pieces of specific, relevant evidence.
- Analysis and Reasoning (2 points): Demonstrate comparison, causation, or continuity/change depending on the prompt.
👉 Exam Tip: You don’t need perfect grammar or long essays. You need clarity, evidence, and historical reasoning.
Types of LEQ Prompts
LEQs can ask you to do one of three things:
- Comparison
- Example: Compare the processes of empire-building in TWO regions from 1450–1750.
- Strategy: Identify similarities, differences, and explain why they exist.
- Causation
- Example: Evaluate the causes of the Industrial Revolution in the period 1750–1900.
- Strategy: Identify short-term and long-term causes, then effects.
- Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT)
- Example: Analyze the continuities and changes in trade networks in the Indian Ocean from 1200–1750.
- Strategy: Show both what changed and what stayed the same, with explanations.
👉 RevisionDojo Resource: Graphic organizers to practice each type of essay.
How to Write a Strong Thesis
The thesis is the backbone of your LEQ. Without it, you can’t score full points.
Formula for Success:
- Restate the question.
- Take a clear stance.
- Include categories of analysis.
Example Thesis (Comparison Prompt):
Between 1450–1750, the Ottoman and Mughal Empires both relied on military expansion to consolidate power, but the Ottomans integrated diverse populations through religious institutions while the Mughals emphasized centralized bureaucracy.
👉 Notice how it includes both similarity and difference — and sets up the body paragraphs.
Contextualization: Setting the Stage
Contextualization gives your essay depth. It’s not about repeating background knowledge, but about connecting your argument to broader historical trends.
Example (Indian Ocean Trade CCOT):
During the post-classical period, long-distance trade increased globally, connecting regions like the Silk Roads and Mediterranean. The Indian Ocean network reflected this growth, but with unique maritime innovations.
👉 Tip: Think about what was happening before or around the time of your prompt.
Using Evidence Effectively
Evidence earns you up to two points:
- One point: At least two specific examples.
- Two points: Evidence that supports your argument, not just listed facts.
Weak Evidence: “The British industrialized quickly.”
Strong Evidence: “The abundance of coal and Britain’s access to global markets from its colonies fueled rapid industrialization.”
👉 Always connect evidence back to your thesis. Don’t just drop names and dates.
Analysis and Reasoning: The Hardest Part
To score both reasoning points, you need to go beyond describing. You must analyze relationships:
- Comparison: Why were two empires similar/different?
- Causation: Which cause was most significant, and why?
- CCOT: Why did some things change, while others remained constant?
Example (Causation):
While technological innovation was a cause of the Industrial Revolution, Britain’s political stability and capitalist system were more significant because they created the environment in which inventions could thrive.
👉 RevisionDojo Practice: Timed drills where you explain the “why” after every claim.
Common Mistakes on the LEQ
- Writing a thesis that’s too vague (e.g., “There were many changes in trade”).
- Forgetting contextualization (easy point to miss).
- Listing evidence without explaining it.
- Ignoring the timeframe of the prompt.
- Writing too much background instead of analysis.
Sample LEQ Outline
Prompt: Analyze the continuities and changes in the role of women in society from 1750–1900.
- Thesis: Women’s participation in reform movements increased during 1750–1900, but their political and economic opportunities remained limited due to entrenched patriarchy.
- Contextualization: The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution sparked debates about natural rights and social roles.
- Evidence:
- Change: Women involved in abolition and suffrage movements (e.g., Seneca Falls, 1848).
- Continuity: Exclusion from formal politics and wage inequality.
- Analysis: Despite reform efforts, patriarchal systems adapted to industrial and political changes, showing slow progress.
Practice Prompts
- Compare the methods of political control used by TWO empires in the period 600 BCE–600 CE.
- Evaluate the extent to which the Columbian Exchange transformed global trade networks between 1450–1750.
- Analyze continuities and changes in the role of silver in the global economy from 1500–1750.
👉 Write practice theses and outlines before exam day.
How RevisionDojo Helps with LEQ Writing
RevisionDojo simplifies essay practice with:
- Thesis-writing templates for comparison, causation, and CCOT.
- Model essays with annotations showing how points are earned.
- Timed writing practice with scoring guides.
- Checklists so you don’t miss easy rubric points.
👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s AP World essay hub for step-by-step LEQ practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long should my LEQ be?
A: Quality matters more than length. Aim for 3–5 solid paragraphs.
Q: Can I use the same evidence in the DBQ and LEQ?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s applied differently and clearly tied to the prompt.
Q: How much time should I spend on the LEQ?
A: About 40 minutes. Leave 5 minutes to outline before writing.
Q: What’s the difference between LEQ and DBQ?
A: The DBQ requires document analysis. The LEQ is based only on your outside knowledge.
Q: Can I still earn points if my thesis is in the conclusion?
A: Yes, but it’s safer to place it in the introduction.
Final Thoughts
The LEQ doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a clear thesis, strong evidence, and solid reasoning, you can consistently score high. Remember that graders reward analysis, not memorization.
By combining AP Classroom practice with RevisionDojo’s essay-writing resources, you’ll gain the structure and confidence to tackle any prompt.
On exam day, when faced with a tough LEQ, you’ll know exactly how to craft a thesis, contextualize, support with evidence, and explain your reasoning — all while staying calm and strategic.
