A Historical Writing Strategy
When approaching historical writing, it is important to have a structured approach. The strategy outlined by ACE, which stands for Claim, Evidence, and Commentary, can help guide the writing process and ensure a clear and coherent argument.
Claim
The claim is the argument that needs to be proven in the response. It is the main point that the writer is trying to support.
Evidence
In this section, the writer presents the facts, paraphrases, and quotes that support the claim. This evidence provides the basis for the argument being made.
Commentary
The commentary is the explanation of how the evidence proves the claim. It connects the evidence to the claim and provides context for the argument being presented.
How to ACE the SAQ
The "ACE IT!" strategy is a helpful approach when tackling Short Answer Questions (SAQs). SAQs are a common form of assessment in history courses, including AP World History and AP US History. This strategy breaks down the approach to SAQs into three key components: Answer, Cite, and Expand.
A = Answer
In this section, the writer directly answers the question by identifying the historical claim. Specific factual information should be used to support the answer, especially in stimulus-based questions.
C = Cite
The Cite section requires the writer to define or describe the historical claim they have identified. This should be supported by specific factual information or evidence relevant to the question at hand.
E = Expand
In the Expand section, the writer explains how their answer best addresses the prompt. This provides additional context and connects the answer to the intent and focus of the question.
ACEA (ANSWER)
The Answer component of the ACE strategy requires the writer to establish their historical argument confidently. It is similar to making a thesis or argument claim in an essay.
ACE - A (ANSWER)
In situations where specific options are provided, the selected option should be clearly identified. When identifying a similarity or difference, both components of the comparison should be directly addressed.
ACEC (CITE)
In this section, the writer should define or describe the historical claim they have identified. The definition or description should contain specific factual information directly relevant to the prompt and answer.
ACE - E (EXPAND)
The Expand component requires the writer to explain how their answer best addresses the prompt. This explanation should connect the answer to the prompt and fulfill its historical intent.
Examples
Causation
Prompt: Briefly explain ONE important political response to the sectional conflict over slavery during the 1850's.
Answer: The Kansas Nebraska Act in 1854 was another attempt to settle the sectional conflict over slavery during the 1850's.
Cite: The act split the Nebraska Territory into two new territories, Nebraska and Kansas, and allowed each territory to determine free state or slave state through popular sovereignty.
Expand: Although the Kansas Nebraska Act attempted to settle the conflict over slavery through a more democratic means, it consequently allowed slavery to expand beyond the Missouri Compromise line of 36'30 and was considered a political victory for "slave power."
Comparison
Prompt: Briefly explain ONE important difference between the Northern regional economy and the Southern regional economy in the period from 1800 to 1850.
Answer: The Northern regional economy developed a new industrial and manufacturing base while the Southern regional economy preserved its predominantly agrarian society.
Cite: The Lowell System pioneered manufacturing and mass production in the North while the South continued to expand cash crop plantations, such as cotton.
Expand: The increase in factories in the North developed a more fluid wage-earning free labor class whereas the Southern plantation economy preserved the rigid social hierarchy and slave labor.
Continuity/Change Over Time
Prompt: Briefly explain ONE example of how contact between Native Americans and Europeans brought…
Answer: [Add continuation of response here]
Historical writing, such as that required for SAQs, provides a means of making sense of the past and understanding how the world has come to be the way it is. By following the ACE strategy and using specific examples and evidence, writers can effectively convey their understanding of historical events and processes. This approach not only helps students to excel in their studies but also provides a valuable framework for communicating and analyzing historical narratives.
