AP World History Sample
Part 1: The Trinity of Historical Thinking (The "Why")
All analytical writing on the AP exam is rooted in three core skills:
1. Causation
This is the "why" and "so what." It’s not just "A caused B," it’s a complex chain of events and
consequences.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The invention of the printing press caused the Protestant
Reformation."
Advanced Analysis (The 5 Student):
● Nuance the Cause: "The printing press was a catalyst that accelerated the spread of
Luther's ideas. However, the underlying causes were pre-existing: widespread
dissatisfaction with Church corruption (indulgences), the political ambitions of German
princes seeking autonomy from the Hapsburgs, and a growing humanist intellectual
movement that emphasized textual criticism."
● Nuance the Effect (Short-term vs. Long-term):
○ Short-Term Effect: A rapid schism in Western Christianity and a century of
brutal religious wars (e.g., Thirty Years' War), leading to state-level religious
choice (Peace of Westphalia).
○ Long-Term Effect: The fragmentation of Christian authority laid the
groundwork for the rise of secular scientific inquiry during the Scientific
Revolution and the Enlightenment, as the Church no longer held a monopoly
on truth (CDI/TEC). It also exacerbated the power of monarchs who seized
Church lands (GOV).
How to Use This Skill:
● Always ask "Why now?" What was the "perfect storm" of factors?
● Always ask "So what?" What were the ripple effects?
● Vocabulary to Use: precipitated, exacerbated, laid the groundwork for, was a
significant catalyst for, created the conditions for, an unintended consequence was...
, 2. Comparison (The How and Why of Difference)
This is the engine of analytical grouping. It’s not just "A is different from B." It’s why they are
different and why those differences matter.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The Ottoman Empire was a land-based empire, but the
Portuguese Empire was a maritime empire."
Advanced Analysis (The 5 Student):
● Find a ‘good’ similarity: "Both the Ottoman and Portuguese Empires in the 1450-1750
period were 'gunpowder empires' that used new gunpowder weapons to establish and
maintain control. Both also sought to control and profit from existing, wealthy trade
routes."
● Analyze the reason for difference: "However, their methods of rule diverged based on
their geography and goals. The Ottomans, conquering vast, diverse land populations,
developed the millet system to manage different religious groups and maintain
stability. The Portuguese, with a small population and limited manpower, could not
conquer large land territories. Therefore, they established a trading-post empire, using
their naval superiority to control choke points and violently extract wealth rather than
govern diverse populations."
● Analyze the Significance of the Difference: "This fundamental difference in
state-building strategy meant the Ottomans built a durable, centralized land empire,
while the Portuguese built a fragile, sea-based economic network that was soon
challenged and overtaken by other maritime powers like the Dutch."
How to Use This Skill:
● Always find a meaningful similarity first. It proves you're not just listing.
● Your reason for the difference should almost always be tied to a theme (ENV, GOV,
ECN).
● Vocab to Use: whereas, in contrast, a striking parallel is, both empires, however,
diverged in..., a key distinction lies in...
3. Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT) (The "What Evolved")
You must identify what stayed the same even as everything else was changing.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The Indian Ocean trade routes changed a lot from 1200 to
1750. First, Muslims dominated, and then the Europeans showed up with cannons."
Part 1: The Trinity of Historical Thinking (The "Why")
All analytical writing on the AP exam is rooted in three core skills:
1. Causation
This is the "why" and "so what." It’s not just "A caused B," it’s a complex chain of events and
consequences.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The invention of the printing press caused the Protestant
Reformation."
Advanced Analysis (The 5 Student):
● Nuance the Cause: "The printing press was a catalyst that accelerated the spread of
Luther's ideas. However, the underlying causes were pre-existing: widespread
dissatisfaction with Church corruption (indulgences), the political ambitions of German
princes seeking autonomy from the Hapsburgs, and a growing humanist intellectual
movement that emphasized textual criticism."
● Nuance the Effect (Short-term vs. Long-term):
○ Short-Term Effect: A rapid schism in Western Christianity and a century of
brutal religious wars (e.g., Thirty Years' War), leading to state-level religious
choice (Peace of Westphalia).
○ Long-Term Effect: The fragmentation of Christian authority laid the
groundwork for the rise of secular scientific inquiry during the Scientific
Revolution and the Enlightenment, as the Church no longer held a monopoly
on truth (CDI/TEC). It also exacerbated the power of monarchs who seized
Church lands (GOV).
How to Use This Skill:
● Always ask "Why now?" What was the "perfect storm" of factors?
● Always ask "So what?" What were the ripple effects?
● Vocabulary to Use: precipitated, exacerbated, laid the groundwork for, was a
significant catalyst for, created the conditions for, an unintended consequence was...
, 2. Comparison (The How and Why of Difference)
This is the engine of analytical grouping. It’s not just "A is different from B." It’s why they are
different and why those differences matter.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The Ottoman Empire was a land-based empire, but the
Portuguese Empire was a maritime empire."
Advanced Analysis (The 5 Student):
● Find a ‘good’ similarity: "Both the Ottoman and Portuguese Empires in the 1450-1750
period were 'gunpowder empires' that used new gunpowder weapons to establish and
maintain control. Both also sought to control and profit from existing, wealthy trade
routes."
● Analyze the reason for difference: "However, their methods of rule diverged based on
their geography and goals. The Ottomans, conquering vast, diverse land populations,
developed the millet system to manage different religious groups and maintain
stability. The Portuguese, with a small population and limited manpower, could not
conquer large land territories. Therefore, they established a trading-post empire, using
their naval superiority to control choke points and violently extract wealth rather than
govern diverse populations."
● Analyze the Significance of the Difference: "This fundamental difference in
state-building strategy meant the Ottomans built a durable, centralized land empire,
while the Portuguese built a fragile, sea-based economic network that was soon
challenged and overtaken by other maritime powers like the Dutch."
How to Use This Skill:
● Always find a meaningful similarity first. It proves you're not just listing.
● Your reason for the difference should almost always be tied to a theme (ENV, GOV,
ECN).
● Vocab to Use: whereas, in contrast, a striking parallel is, both empires, however,
diverged in..., a key distinction lies in...
3. Continuity and Change Over Time (CCOT) (The "What Evolved")
You must identify what stayed the same even as everything else was changing.
Basic Analysis (The 3 Student): "The Indian Ocean trade routes changed a lot from 1200 to
1750. First, Muslims dominated, and then the Europeans showed up with cannons."
